On the Eggheads programme on BBC2 at 6.00pm, one of the regular contributors used the word "pansies" in its derogatory sense - twice! I have complained - see below. Please go on to the BBC website and complain as well. Let me know that you have done it as I will be speaking to the BBC in my official capacity as Co-Chair at the beginning of next week. It is important that I am not a lone voice!

I said:

As a teacher and a gay man I am appalled that Chris from the Eggheads team felt he could use the word "pansies" in a jocular response on the show. This situation was worsened when he repeated the remark after prompting from the show's presenter The word is homophobic and let us be clear it is no defence to say that there was no homophobic intention. It is outcome that counts under these circumstances and he has just given pupils that I teach permission to use such language with impunity to the detriment of the educational culture of the school and the needs of all young people.
Can I suggest a question for the Eggheads show?
By how many times is it more likely that young lesbian and gay people attempt and commit suicide than young heterosexuals?
According to the Samaritans five times more likely.
When is the BBC going to take responsibility for the culture created by this irresponsible use of language on their programmes and when are they going to ban it!