Whats another word for gay
Home / gay topics / Whats another word for gay
Here are some examples of LGBTQ+ terms to avoid, and what terminology is appropriate to use instead.
Lesbian / Gay / Bisexual / Queer to Avoid and Use
1) Don’t say:” homosexual” (as a noun or adjective)
The word “homosexual” has a clinical history and is often used by anti-LGBTQ extremists.
Meaning of gay
The primary meaning of the word "gay" is relating to or denoting a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
Etymology of gay
The word "gay" originated in the 13th century, initially meaning "lighthearted" or "carefree"
Over time, the word's meaning shifted to include a sense of brightness, liveliness, and attractiveness
In the mid-20th century, the word began to be used to describe people who were emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex
Synonyms
homosexuallesbianqueerbisexualandrogynouseffeminatecampflamboyantcolorfulvibrantlivelycheerfuljovialhappycarefreesunnybrightmerryfestivejoyfulgladjubilantelatedeuphoricecstaticthrilleddelightedpleasedhomosexualtransnon-binaryasexualpansexualgenderqueernon-heterosexualsame-sexLGBTQ+
Definitions
- Relating to or denoting a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex
- Relating to or denoting a person who is carefree, cheerful, and full of joy
- Used as an adjective to describe something that is brightly colored, lively, or attractive
Usage Examples
- The city's gay community held a parade to celebrate their identity and promote acceptance
- He came out as gay to his friends and family, who were incredibly supportive
- The hotel room was decorated with gay colors and patterns, adding to its festive atmosphere
Antonyms
heterosexualstraightcisgenderasexualabstinentcelibatechastepuremodeststraight-lacedprudishconservativetraditionalconventionalorthodoxnormaltypicalcommonmundanedullboringsombergloomymelancholysadunhappymiserable
Related Adjectives
homosexuallesbianqueerbisexualtransgendernon-binaryasexualpansexualgenderqueernon-heterosexualsame-sexLGBTQ+proudopenhonestauthenticgenuinetruerealsincereheartfeltpassionatededicatedcommittedactiveengagedinvolvedpassionatefervententhusiasticenergeticlivelyvibrantcolorfuldiverseinclusivewelcomingacceptingsupportiveaffirming
Related Nouns
communityidentityculturelifestylerelationshippartnershipmarriagefamilyprideparadeflagsymbolactivismrightsequalityjusticefreedomliberationmovementorganizationalliancecoalitionnetworkclubbarscenepartyeventfestivalcelebrationholiday
Related Verbs
come outidentifyexpressrevealdiscloseconfessadmitacknowledgeacceptembracesupportadvocatepromotecelebratehonorrecognizerespectincludeintegrateunitemobilizeorganizeprotestdemonstratemarchrallyfightstruggle
.
Every LGBTQ+ person is diverse in the ways that they experience and lead their lives.What to say instead:” equal rights,” “equal protection”
Transgender Terms to Avoid and Use
1) Don’t say: “A transgender,” “transgenders”
Transgender is not a noun and should be used as an adjective.
However, it is not appropriate for anyone outside the community to use these terms. Since transgender aligns with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer, you would never say something like Kristen Stewart is “lesbianed,” so you wouldn’t say “Laverne Cox is transgendered.”
What to say instead: “transgender.”
3) Don’t say:” transgenderism”
Transgender people do not use the term transgenderism.
Just be sure to avoid saying or using the word “homosexual” at any point.
6) Don’t say:” gay agenda” or “homosexual agenda”
Notions of a so-called “homosexual agenda” are inventions of Anti-LGBTQ extremists who have created terms like the “gay agenda” to instill fear when LGBTQ+ people are just trying to pursue equal opportunities.
The terms “passing” and “stealth” means that a transgender person can go through their everyday life without other people assuming that they are transgender. It then leads to the assumption that it should be “cured.”
What to say instead:” sexual orientation” or “orientation.” Sexual orientation is the accurate terminology of an individual’s romantic, physical, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same and/ or opposite sex.
Make a point to avoid emphasizing surgery when talking about transgender people or the transition process.
What to say instead: “transition.”
5) Don’t say: “biologically male,” “biologically female,” “genetically male,” “genetically female,” “born a man,” “born a woman.”
These phrases above are problematic.
Many of these ideas are frequently used by anti-LGBTQ extremists to degrade LGBTQ+ people, couples, and relationships.
What to say instead: ”relationship,” “couple” (or, if necessary, “gay/lesbian/same-sex couple”), “sex,” etc. It also suggests that they have “a condition.”
What to say instead:“being transgender.” It is essential to refer to being transgender or reference the trans community or movement for equality.
4) Don’t say: “sex change,” “pre-operative,” “post-operative”
Terms like a “sex-change operation,” “pre-operative” or “post-operative,” inaccurately imply that a person must have surgery to transition.
“Passing” suggests that someone is passing as something that they’re not,” meanwhile, “stealth” implies they are deceiving someone. It suggests that their sexual orientation and/or gender identity is a choice, which is inaccurate. They deserve the opportunity to earn a living, be safe in their communities, and take care of their loved ones.
Anti-transgender activists use this word as a way to dehumanize transgender people. A good rule of thumb is to avoid labeling an activity, emotion, or relationship as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer.
3) Don’t say:” sexual preference.”
The term “sexual preference” is generally used to imply that being attracted to the same sex is a choice.
LGBTQ+ Terms to Avoid and What to Use Instead
It is essential for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community to know and use the proper terms within the community. Here are other words for gay and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
What to say instead: “LGBTQ people and their lives.”
5) Don’t say:” admitted homosexual” or “avowed homosexual.”
We know that homosexual is an outdated term.
It is all-inclusive to LGBTQ+ sexual orientations and for straight people as well. The words “admitted” or “avowed” imply that being attracted to the same sex is shameful or secretive.
What to say instead:” out gay man,” “out lesbian,” or “out queer person.” You can also describe the person as being out.
For example, do not say, “Billie is a transgender.”
What to say instead: “Billie is a transgender woman.”
2) Don’t say “Transgendered”
Transgender should never have an “ed” attached to the end.
What to say instead:” gay,” gay man,” or “lesbian,” “gay person/people.” Use gay or lesbian when discussing people attracted to members of the same sex.
2) Don’t say:” homosexual relations/relationship,” “homosexual couple,” “homosexual sex.”
When you identify a same-sex couple as “a homosexual couple,” it classifies their relationship as “a homosexual relationship.” By referring to their intimacy as “homosexual sex” is highly offensive.
These terms, though, are problematic. These ideas have been discredited by the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association since the 1970s. They overly simplify a much more complex topic.