Gay is a term used to describe an individual who is primarily attracted to the same or similar gender(s).[1][2] It is sometimes used to refer to gay men specifically. It is increasingly becoming a catch-all term for the entire LGBTQ+ community.[1] Some may prefer this term over the term "homosexual," due to it having a more clinical history.[3]
"Gay" is sometimes used as a disparaging word towards individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.[4]
Etymology
The term comes from Middle English. It is from the Anglo-French term "gai," which originates from the Old High German "gāhi," meaning "quick, sudden."[4]
History
The term "gay" was originally used in the 13th century to mean "bright and lively." It wasn't used as a term for the LGBTQ+ community until the 1950s.[4]
Flags & Symbols
The rainbow pride flag, which is often used as the gay flag, was created from the pride flag designed by Gilbert Baker. The pink and turquoise stripes were removed due to issues with manufacturing and design choices. The red represents life, the orange represents healing, the yellow represents sunlight, the green represents nature, the indigo represents serenity, and the violet represents spirit.[5]
Related Terms
| Label | Relationship | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Opposite | An individual who is attracted to the opposite or dissimilar gender(s). |
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cautious-Brush359. “Can Someone Please Explain the Term “Gay” .” Reddit, www.reddit.com/r/lgbt/comments/173uvtm/can_someone_please_explain_the_term_gay/.
- ↑ “Terminology.” Montclair State University, www.montclair.edu/lgbtq-center/lgbtq-resources/terminology/.
- ↑ https://itgetsbetter.org/author/webdev. “Gay.” It Gets Better, 5 Oct. 2021, itgetsbetter.org/glossary/gay/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 “Definition of GAY.” Merriam-Webster.com, 2019, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gay.
- ↑ Human Rights Campaign. “LGBTQ+ Pride Flags.” Human Rights Campaign, 2024, www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags.