Why is it, that people call others "Gay" as if it were an insult?

Question

This is something that has bothered me for some time now, and I just disregarded it as a part of human nature to be cruel and unforgiving. But in the hallways, I hear them all the time. "That's gay, you're gay, you're a queer" as if it were insulting. Also, why are people so insecure about their sexualities? I'm not Gay, I'm just wondering why people do this, because it seems unfair to those who really are gay, and get picked on because of their sexuality. I find it discriminatory and wrong...so why do it in the first place? Are teenagers just so completely stupid that they disregard other's feelings in a heartbeat? This just frustrates me to no end, and I'm hoping someone could provide an answer.

Answer 1

I think you bring up a great question:

"Are teenagers just so completely stupid that they disregard other's feelings in a heartbeat?"

Sadly enough, I think the answer to your question is a resounding yes. After calling your question into consideration though, I can't help but question the people who reinforce and diffuse these ideologies to children. Homophobia is not an innate human condition, it is socially created and constructed. It is people who have the nerve to callously post responses like the one above who perpetuate oppression and homophobia to our teens. I'm not lesbian or gay either, but I absolutely do believe that each person has the right to be valued for the impact of their existence. Even though it may seem like a simple concept, many people don't realize how powerful language is and that it can be used as a tool to oppress others. There is no room for homophobic discourse in a society where freedom and independence are valued qualities. I understand that people have the right to form their own opinion about homosexuality, but in no way does that give anyone the right to impose their own values on another person's experience. Every human experience is unique and of value, and in order to thrive in a society marked by diversity, we must respect one another.

Answer 2

You make a very good set of points here...

For one, words develop connections over time... for instance - no one would say "Sexual Intercourse" you. But "F**K" you is an insult. f**k is simply the old Saxon word for sexual intercourse... go figure.

Gay used to mean happy, now it primarily refers to sexual orientation. Why is a reference to a persons sexuality considered insulting?

I think the reason is simply that when homosexuality really started entering the consciousness it was (for some bizarre reason) considered a threat.

Thus 'gay' became an insult, in theory challenging a persons 'proper' heterosexual orientation.

This is more pronounced in teens, as teens have less experience, and in general a developing sense of self. Anything 'weird' thus becomes a target for the 'normal' teens. This also explains the teen tendency to form in groups of self perceived similarity....

Thus the jocks, geeks, socialites, what ever...

Why people care about another's sexual orientation is occasionally perplexing. For me, the only reason it matters is if I find a woman attractive (I'm heterosexual), and find out she's heterosexual or bisexual - I might have a shot with her...

And of course I wouldn't want to be sexually involved with a transgender man... the parts are wrong... ;)

I know it sucks, but I think that its improving over time... most of the young folks I know see nothing wrong with 'inter racial' dating for instance - and that was considered a serious aberration just a generation ago.

Just my .01

-dh

Answer 3

Wow, look at what I just found...QUEER - "Something queer is happening to the word 'queer.' Originally a synonym for 'odd' or 'unusual,' the word evolved into an anti-gay insult in the last century, only to be reclaimed by defiant gay and lesbian activists who chanted: 'We're here, we're queer, get used to it.' Now 'queer' is sneaking into the mainstream - and taking on a hipster edge as a way to describe any sexual orientation beyond straight. . ." From "Does wide use of 'queer' mean society is changing?

Answer 4

I think they use that word to say as an insult "you're not normal". Because they see being gay as a form of something abnormal, like a mistake done by nature...because nature needs people from the opposite sex to perpetuate life...

gay, queer, they are used to say "hey, you abnormal human being!".

"that's so gay!" = that's so weird, abnormal.

This is what I think the reason why some people use it.

Answer 5

Being gay, in alot of peoples eyes is a bad, strange, nasty or in other words viewed negatively. So when people comment on something they view negatively bad, strange, nasty and/or gay are used interchangeably. It is pretty simple if you think about it. I am not saying it is right, but that is why it is used that way. Oh and by the way frogmama, the reason everyone says that Christians are judging them, is because they are. You are judging them based on your religious beliefs. In your first statement you call all homosexuals stubborn and unrepentant. If that isn't judging someone I don't know what is.

Answer 6

i won't manage to talk for black people yet i could wager that they do it because of the fact they choose to...and not all choose to yet for some it fits into their language and swagger. My version of this could be once I call my acquaintances skanks, ho's, and so on. They comprehend I advise it in an endearing way. consistent with danger its the way I say it or because of the fact they comprehend i admire them. yet its our element that as quickly as heard with the aid of an interloper must be taken as offensive. base line do no longer say n**ga, considering I take it you're no longer black. the comparable way my females could kick ur *** in case you noted as them a skank. Its humorous tho white people continually ask this question.

Answer 7

Basically, their vocabulary is limited, therefore their use of the word gay. I am also not gay and I absolutely hate it when I hear it.
Gay people are not strange, abnormal or an insult. So perhaps if they would educate themselves this name calling would stop. Not possible!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Gay people are the minority, so survival of the fittest, it's only human nature, just like racism.

Answer 9

well if they dont call them gay they will call them thick or stupid or a looser or whatever makes them feel better. i dont think that they even know what they are talking about most of the time, its just another way to put someone down.

Answer 10

Homophobia.