We all think we know what does it mean to be gaybut the reality is that knowledge about this concept even in 2024 is limited at a mainstream level and confusion still persists regarding what it represents. Therefore, to commemorate the LGBT+ Pride Monthwe will talk about the emergence and definition of this very important word in the topic of sexual orientation.

The collective doubt is motivated because the term ‘gay’ It was not always linked to male homosexuality. In fact, many years ago it meant something completely different. Furthermore, since the term ‘lesbian’ was coined later, before this it was used to name any type of person who felt sexually attracted to people of the same sex regardless of their gender.

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Where does the word ‘gay’ come from?

The term ‘gay’ is a linguistic loanword of Occitan origin (language of Occitania), whose meaning is ‘cheerful‘. In Victorian times it was used to call men who practiced homosexual prostitution, because of the lively way in which they lived and the style of clothing they wore. It became popular in the world after the homosexual community of San FranciscoCalifornia, will adopt it to refer to themselves. Until the 2001 It was officially included in the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (DRAE).

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What does it mean to be gay?

Etymologically, the term ‘gay’ refers to the male homosexualitythat is, the existence of a sexual or romantic attraction between men. It is a self-descriptive word because it has a certain sociopolitical weight, so it is also associated with ideological identity.

Now, as for the physical issue, gay people have usually been associated with a feminine mannerismas well as a style of diva attire. Although there is a large percentage of homosexual men who share these characteristics, it is not mandatory for them to behave or dress in a certain way, their personal image is completely independent of your sexual orientation.