when did we start using the terms queer, gay, sissy etc? what other terms did they use? I'm only interested in gay men, not lesbian terms. I need it for a book I am helping a friend to write. Many thanks.
2007-08-25 13:36:44 · 6 answers · asked by maxmolloy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
This is a for novel a friend is writing, not a work of non fiction and it's important to get historical details correct. I have done extensive research with a variety of reference material over many many hours and found very little relevant. I am asking the question here to draw upon others experience and knowledge. It is not a substitute for thorough research.
2007-08-26 13:39:31 · update #1
Many of the terms you mention were in use then. "gay" meaning "homosexual" dates from the end of the 19th century. Before that it was used to mean a prostitute for two or three hundred years and a gay house was a brothel.
Have you read "Gay New York - The making of the gay male world 1890 -1940" by George Chauncey. Flamingo Original 1995. You should, it might cover some of the same ground you are researching and will give you lots of references.
2007-08-25 13:47:42 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the term Nancy Boy was used quite early on. I have heard that it relates back to Nancy Astor, but this needs confirming.
Also; Iron as in Iron hoof is old slang for poof. But where the term poof comes from I'm also not sure.
It is also worth researching Polari or Palari which was slang spoken in the theatre, particularly by homosexuals. This was still being used by the older generation in the early 70's.
2007-08-26 03:28:09 · answer #2 · answered by EdgeWitch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as a person with an advanced degree in History, I'd recommend you use more substantial sources when trying to write a book. Do your research at the library, not on an opinion based question/answer site.
2007-08-25 20:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by tsalagi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
invert
for some great queer history check out http://www.glbtq.com
2007-08-25 20:43:12 · answer #4 · answered by george3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tsalagi is 100 percent correct.
Also read Before Stonewall; it is a great place to start if you really care about this subject.
2007-08-26 10:09:08 · answer #5 · answered by DaytonHawk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the use of the word gay is new. Queer was used before or bum bandits
2007-08-26 02:27:47 · answer #6 · answered by Diamond 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋