plural of gay, referring to homosexual people
Old French 'gai' originally meaning joyful
Gays - people who are happy and proud!
Historically used pejoratively to pathologize LGBTQ+ identity; reclaimed by queer communities but remains contextual depending on speaker authority and intent.
Use identity-affirming language: refer to 'gay people' or specific identities (lesbian, gay, bi, trans). Avoid as noun shorthand without consent of community.
["LGBTQ+ people","gay and lesbian individuals","queer community members"]
Gay liberation movements (Stonewall, 1969+) reclaimed this term as self-determination; queer scholars and activists continue reshaping its meaning.
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