If I were gonna mention that someone was a homosexual, how would they like me to say it without them being offended? I just don't want to piss anyone off by what I say. I'm all for equality, or an attempt at equality.
2007-01-09 14:02:00 · 32 answers · asked by Donovan G 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I was just wondering what the best term is, so I don't offend anyone. Yes I could call them by their name, but if someone asked me if someone was of that orientation, what would be the best way to say it. I don't know any open people with this orientation, so I don't know who I could ask.
2007-01-09 14:09:03 · update #1
Thank you for all your answers. Though I guess this question was just a little uneeded. I was just wondering.
2007-01-09 14:10:12 · update #2
running tree has a point. The word gay, was stripped from the dictionary and given a double meaning. It used to mean only happy, now it means
having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music.
2. bright or showy: gay colors; gay ornaments.
3. given to or abounding in social or other pleasures: a gay social season.
4. licentious; dissipated; wanton: The baron is a gay old rogue with an eye for the ladies.
5. homosexual.
6. of, indicating, or supporting homosexual interests or issues: a gay organization.
–noun 7. a homosexual person, esp. a male.
–adverb 8. in a gay manner.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Gay
2007-01-09 14:30:11 · update #3
Yay, I just opened a can of worms. I might just address race, or stereotypes of style, or cliques. Watch out.
2007-01-09 14:31:13 · update #4
Typing sometimes distracts me from whats going on in my life that I necessarily don't like. So Yahoo! Answers is perfect for when i'm either bored or depressed. I can also help people at the same time.
2007-01-09 14:57:58 · update #5
lol i just say gay
but i dont mean it in a bad way
2007-01-09 14:05:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
i will make a guess to say that you are looking for the P.C. terms. Actually, Homosexual, Lesbian, and Gay are all appropriate terms for people who are same sexed oriented. It is true that a few men I know, would think that you are being very scientific if you use the term Homosexual. Most people that I know do prefer the terms Gay or Lesbian, when we are talking about grouping people.
Those are your safest terms as a straight person.
As a gay male, me and my friends joke call each other ******, and call lesbian friends of our dykes. These are terms that can be used as an endearment if you are of that group, or as a tease, however, I would not reccomend this if you are straight, it would be offensive.
So best bet, Gay or Lesbian.
2007-01-09 16:14:47 · answer #2 · answered by kuji_toshiya 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I see here that everyone said "call them by their name" or "how about people"
That wasn't what you asked. You wanted to know the politically correct term to refer to a specific group of people. You can say "gay" and it is considered to be politically correct. If you are uncomfortable saying that, you can also use the term "homosexual"
I have always used gay. It is just how I say it. I have had several gay friends, and honestly, it doesn't really matter as long long as you don't use any derogatory terms.
2007-01-09 14:21:04 · answer #3 · answered by I *Heart* Plato 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Most people go with "gay". IF it's accurate (assuming they're not bisexual etc). BEST thing to do: ask the individuals in question how they identify. Some people prefer queer, others would be horrified to hear that uttered by a straight person. And, if they're women, it becomes more complex because some women see "gay" as strictly male, others see it as vague enough that they feel lesbian is more accurate, others don't like the word lesbian. Seriously...ask.
2007-01-09 16:20:32 · answer #4 · answered by Atropis 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't have a particular word that I prefer, but I generally go with gay or queer. I would say one of the most annoying thing to me is when people use gay or queer as a noun instead of an adjective. i.e. the gays or a queer. Common sense says you wouldn't normally do this to anyone else. Yes, I am gay, but by no way does that fully describe me as a person.
2007-01-09 15:08:01 · answer #5 · answered by Liir 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Bless you, Darling, I prefer to be called, Madame; but that's just me. I see you *did* open a can of worms and I'm coming in at the tail-end of this conversation. I usually try Sir or Madame depending on obvious gender. people will correct me if necessary. Just be polite and be kind. That's all that should matter. Blessings.
2007-01-09 14:24:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't mind being called bi or bisexual, as long as it isn't in an accusatory tone. For your question gay works just fine, just watch the tone you use it in. There are ways you can say gay that will make a gay guy hit/slap you.
2007-01-09 14:14:00 · answer #7 · answered by guitarherofairy 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I would like to see the word 'gay' used by its original definition. It was ripped from the dictionary and given a new definition and I want it back.
Same-sex-oriented people.
2007-01-09 14:10:47 · answer #8 · answered by Double O 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
People
2007-01-09 14:04:51 · answer #9 · answered by Mr Bellows 5 · 4⤊ 5⤋
A human being would be good
2007-01-12 12:02:42 · answer #10 · answered by TIGGER 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gay or Alternative Lifestyle
2007-01-09 14:07:18 · answer #11 · answered by lookingin48215 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋