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Revision as of 12:57, 2 August 2002 view source207.253.140.103 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit Revision as of 13:04, 2 August 2002 view source Ed Poor (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers59,217 edits contrast with heterosexuality, link "queer"Next edit →
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While once meaning "joyous" or "glad," <b>gay</b> has come to refer to a kind of ]. The term can be used inclusively or exclusively. The inclusive meaning refers to both men and women who prefer romantic relationships with their own sex (see ]. The exclusive meaning refers only to men who love men. Whether ]s are included in either of those meanings is a matter of debate (see ]). While once meaning "joyous" or "glad," <b>gay</b> has come to refer to ]s other than ] (see also ]). The term can be used inclusively or exclusively. The inclusive meaning refers to both men and women who prefer romantic relationships with their own sex (see ]. The exclusive meaning refers only to men who love men. Whether ]s are included in either of those meanings is a matter of debate (see ]).


Some people don't like this change of meaning, but the word gay has had a sexual meaning since at least the nineteenth century -- in Victorian England, female prostitutes were considered to be "gay". Some people don't like this change of meaning, but the word gay has had a sexual meaning since at least the nineteenth century -- in Victorian England, female prostitutes were considered to be "gay".

Revision as of 13:04, 2 August 2002

While once meaning "joyous" or "glad," gay has come to refer to sexual orientations other than heterosexuality (see also queer). The term can be used inclusively or exclusively. The inclusive meaning refers to both men and women who prefer romantic relationships with their own sex (see homosexuality. The exclusive meaning refers only to men who love men. Whether bisexuals are included in either of those meanings is a matter of debate (see bisexuality).

Some people don't like this change of meaning, but the word gay has had a sexual meaning since at least the nineteenth century -- in Victorian England, female prostitutes were considered to be "gay".

It has been claimed that "gay" was derived as an acronym for "Good As You", but this appears to be a folk etymology.

See also homosexual, lesbian, lesbigay, LGB, political correctness, gay village.