“Homosexual” or “Gay”
Sir,—Your rationale for prefering “homosexual” to “gay” is false. There is no obligation at all on the part of gay people to identify themselves- purely as sexual beings, which is what the word homosexual does. By choosing “gay” one actively chooses sympathy, or at least tolerance. By choosing to use “homosexual” one is just as actively choosing the opposite, simply because a better word is available. The terms are quite analogous to “black” and “negro.” Only the most insensitive of editors would call a black American a negro—the word originally chosen by the oppressor and now rejected by the black community. Similarly the New Zealand gay community likes to be called gay—and surely they ought to know.—Yours, KEVIN FITZGERALD. July 3, 1978. [We did not express a preference. Our comment yesterday merely observed the different responses to the words.—Editor]
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Press, 4 July 1978, Page 16
Word Count
142“Homosexual” or “Gay” Press, 4 July 1978, Page 16
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