In modern English, gay has come to be used as an adjective, and as a noun, referring to the people, especially to gay males, and the practices and cultures associated with homosexuality. By the end of the 20th century, the word gay was recommended by major LGBT groups and style guides to describe people attracted to members of the same sex. This realization has resulted in my sudden appreciation for a daily glass of red wine. During these past few months, I have kissed quite a few frogs. At about the same time, a new, pejorative use became prevalent in some parts of the world. Among younger speakers, the word has a meaning ranging from derision (e.g., equivalent to rubbish or stupid) to a light-hearted mockery or ridicule (e.g., equivalent to weak, unmanly, or lame). However, now we have the skill-set to let some of our ridiculous "wants" go and focus on what we need in a partner. One would think that this would make things easier, but I am not convinced that this is quite true.
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