Does the term 'gay' apply only to men who enjoy intercourse with their own gender?

Question

Or is it a generalisation of men and women who enjoy sexual relationships with their own sex?
The only reason why I asked is because people tend to use the term loosely and it drives me insane.

Answer 1

The term gay is used to refer to homosexual men, and to homosexuals in general. It is sometimes confused, to the point that some authors or speakers will actually say "gay men and lesbians" when they mean both. Others will say "gay men and women" when they mean both. But obviously, as in the title of this section, others make a distinction, when they say lesbian and gay. (Or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered). To make matters even more confusing, the term "queer" used to be pejorative, and in some usages remains so, but it is also used today to signify all who are not straight. This would include the LBGT above, plus transsexual, and inter-sexed, and maybe some others that I've forgotten, or with which I'm not familiar.

Answer 2

Gay is a generic term which applies to men, and the gay community at large. In relation to labels, it is used very loosely - with some bisexual people identifying as gay.

Absolute terms consist of homosexuality, bisexuality and heterosexuality. However, some people still use these terms loosely.

Answer 3

Gay is a generic term for anyone who has a sexual preference for the same gender. It is more often used for men than for women.

Answer 4

Originally, it referred to both men and women. Technically speaking, it still does. BUT, because of the patriarchy of society (and also because the opposition seems disproportionately fascinated with the male/male sexual activity whereas they're usually willing to pretty much ignore lesbians; I have my own theories about why), "gay" eventually came to mean "male" in most people's minds. As such, you'll now likely hear "gay men and lesbians" if people are talking about both, or the whole GLBT if they're talking about all things queer. It's not that lesbians aren't gay, it's more...they need to kind of REMIND people that there's ladies involved in this too.

Answer 5

I describe myself as a Gay Celibate. I am gay in the sense that I am attracted to my own gender and that I relate more to men than women but I am not sexually active. Is any label sufficient or adequate to describe such a spectrum of humanity?

Answer 6

Gay men and gay women (though 'lesbian' is a preferred term for gay women) are those who have strong physical, sexual and emotional attractions exclusively to members of their own sex.

Answer 7

This is what t says in the dictionary

adj. gay·er, gay·est
Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex.
Showing or characterised by cheerfulness and lighthearted excitement; merry.
Bright or lively, especially in colour: a gay, sunny room.
Given to social pleasures.
Dissolute; licentious.

n.
A person whose sexual orientation is to persons of the same sex.
A man whose sexual orientation is to men: an alliance of gays and lesbians

Answer 8

i say ignore the f***kheads that say that u can like woman and men both or either if ur attrcted ur attracted i say stop labelling calling someone gay lezbian or bisexual is sexist so calling someone gay is being sexist so ur calling urself gay in the end love who u love no matter what gender

Answer 9

Gay can be applied to many people & situations. Gay covers a lot of turf.

Answer 10

not only intercourse, but relationship in general

some gay people may not actually have a physical relationship