Howdy,
I voted.
May I say how tired I am of the word "gay," though? I'm becoming downright resentful. Never been one for bars (haven't set foot in one in 15 years - infrequent and irregular attendance prior to that.) Been once to Fire Island (or equivalent party spot) not obsessed with clothes, appearance... anyway... you get the idea. While sexually attracted only to males, I've never shared much else with the "gay" community at large. In fact, I've often been outright rejected by it. None if this is meant as a criticism of that lifestyle -- some people hate brussels sprouts, I love' em (go figure.) -- but it's just not appealling to me.
Anyway... I think we need to find another word... a new word... one that conveys clearly where one's emotional/sexual energies focus, but does not conjur up all the attendant stereotypical images.
Maybe I'm dreaming... or being silly (neither beyond the realm of possibility.) Queer is better, I think, but for me smacks too much of "in your face" as in "we're here, get over it!)) And homosexual has always been a problem. A Latin/Greek hybrid that should have died in Mr. Kertbeny's notes never to be heard of again. Homophile, while at least a real word, doesn't convey the "sexual" side, it simply means Love of the Same.
I'm sure I'm not the first to pose this but I'd welcome any thoughts... (Mods, if this is the wrong place for this, tell me where and how I can move it.)
We also need a new word to replace "wife" or "husband" in the context of same sex marriage.
But that's a rant for another time...
Just my 2 cents
Kudz