Gay

The word gay has changed meaning over time. It used to mean "carefree," "cheerful," or "bright and showy." By the late 1800s, it began to describe people who are attracted to others of the same sex, especially men. Today, gay means a person who is attracted to people of the same sex. It can be used as an adjective or a noun.

During the 1960s, many people who were attracted to others of the same sex began using gay to describe themselves. By the end of the 20th century, major LGBTQ groups and style guides suggested using gay to talk about people attracted to the same sex.

Unfortunately, since the 1980s, some people have used gay as an insulting word. This use is offensive and homophobic, and it is considered inappropriate and sometimes against the law, as in Canada.

History

The word gay entered English during the 12th century from Old French. It originally meant "joyful," "carefree," or "bright and showy." For example, the optimistic 1890s are often called the Gay Nineties.

Later, the meaning of gay changed. By the mid-20th century, it came to refer to homosexuality. This change happened slowly. Over time, many people in the community chose gay as their preferred term because other words were seen as offensive or too clinical.

Homosexuality

Main article: Homosexuality

The word gay is often used to describe someone who is attracted to people of the same sex. Originally, the word meant "carefree" or "cheerful." Later, it began to be used to talk about people who are homosexual.

Sexual orientation is how someone feels emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted — to men, women, both, or neither. Being gay means feeling these attractions toward people of the same sex. Some people might feel attracted to both men and women and are called bisexual. Others may not feel any sexual attraction at all and are called asexual. The word gay can describe both people and things related to this culture, like a gay bar.

Generalized pejorative use

When people use the word "gay" in a mean or dismissive way, such as saying "that was so gay" to suggest something is silly or worthless, it can hurt and offend others. This kind of usage became common among young people starting in the late 1970s.

Many organizations and experts have spoken out against using "gay" this way because it can be hurtful to people who are gay. Campaigns like Think B4 You Speak in the United States aim to stop this kind of language and encourage respect for everyone, no matter who they are.

Parallels in other languages and cultures

The idea of a "gay identity" and the word gay might not mean the same thing everywhere, especially in cultures that are not influenced by Western ways. For example, some Indigenous people in the United States and Canada use the term two-spirit to describe people who express gender and sexuality in ways that differ from typical Western views. This term is important in their traditions.

In Germany, the word for "gay," "schwul," comes from an old word meaning "hot, humid."