Across 'The Pond' , homophobic words like 'poof', 'fruit' and 'pansy' were staple fare in school, not just for gay kids and those 'with a perceived low masculine quotient', but for those thought too pretty to be boys (though I suppose they could count as having 'low masculine quotient'). I should know, since I was one of them: a 'blondie' with blue eyes. But this is one story with a happy ending, because my looks belied my strength: my detractors usually got in only one such comment before they found out that strength for themselves. I shouldn't have had to do this, but it was a question of do or die. And I had no intention of dying.

So three cheers for the British bishops. (Not before time, though.😕)