In other words, correctly identifying someone as "gay" is as often a personal choice as much as it is a textbook definition. heterosexual: 1 n a heterosexual person someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex Synonyms: heterosexual person, straight, straight person Type of: individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul a human being adj sexually attracted exclusively to members of the opposite sex Synonyms: straight not.
According to, an international charity, these things are:įor example, a person may feel same-sex sexual attraction but not identify as "gay" whereas another person who behaves sexually towards men and women may identify as "gay." Moreover, it is not uncommon for people to identify as "gay" at some times in their lives, while straight (not gay) at other times. Gay is a term that is not gender specific so men or women can be termed "gay." When identifying people as gay though, it's important to consider three things. It may have come from a nineteenth century French slang word, "gaie." What is Gay? The term "gay" was initially a slang term developed to overcome some of these negative associations. Homosexuality is still the correct term clinically, but even though homosexuality is no longer considered immoral, some people feel there are still negative overtones to the word given its origin. The term "homosexuality" 1 was first used by Victorian scientists who considered same-sex sexual attraction and behavior a "moral deficiency." 2 Homosexuality is considered to be same-sex sexual attraction and behavior and "gay" is a synonym of homosexuality.
LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. Britannica Dictionary definition of GAY count sometimes disapproving + offensive : a person and especially a man who is attracted to people of the same sex When the noun gay is used to refer to a specific person or specific people in phrases such as the author is a gay or they are both gays, it is often considered offensive. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. Homosexual/Homosexuality: An outdated term to describe a sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of the same. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. While "gay" can be thought of as a synonym to "homosexual," there is more to the meaning of gay than that. Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The term "gay" may be confusing and even foreign to some, forcing people to ask, "What is gay?" or " Am I Gay?" And while some might think the definition of "gay" is simple, to many, it actually isn't.