It's just banter or a joke
It's just banter!
You do not want to be a killjoy - banter and joking can, at times, be fun, reduce stress and raise morale but it can be difficult to recognise when harmless fun becomes bullying, victimisation or discrimination. Jokes and banter, friendly insults and quips are often how we interact in the workplace, at social gatherings or when we meet up with our friends and family. Often, closer friendships and the degree of familiarity, allow for insults or name calling to be exchanged, with no hard feelings or upset. This is because everyone is comfortable and shares the laughter and enjoyment.
However, when a person is singled out to be the butt of repeated jokes and banter this can become harmful to the person concerned, it is no longer fun and the line between banter and bullying or discrimination has been crossed.
Employees need to know and understand when the line is about to be crossed and have the confidence to tell colleagues that enough is enough. Where this does not happen it is the manager's role to step in and stop it before it gets out of hand and damages peoples working relationships and their health. Think "how would I feel if I were on the receiving end of this?"
It's just a joke!
It has become part of today's electronic communication for people to pass on through text, email and social media jokes and other funny material. Where these jokes are degrading to a person's sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation they then become discriminatory, anti-gay bullying or harassment. If such material is received you should ensure it is not circulated either within or outside the University.
