In regard to homosexuals, 'Gay' is simply yet another euphemism in an age of euphemisms.
'Gay' does have connotations of joy and happiness but these are neither exclusive to homosexuals nor the only feelings or state of mind experienced by homosexuals.
I have notice that 'Queer', a most derogatory term for homosexuals has actually been embraced by the LGBTQIA+ community, (excuse me if I've missed a few other alphabetic letters - the capitalism seems to grow month by month), and now "Queer' is as acceptable as 'Gay' or 'Lesbian' or 'Transexual'.
The shame, despair, isolation, even persecution that homosexuals have experienced at certain times and in certain societies in history is appalling and a disturbing endictment of the human race. That it continues in many societies today is a reflection of the reality that whilst humanity has made enormous strides in technology, science, medicine and such, it has made almost none in the affective domain.
However, it seems to me that there is a disturbing contradiction when 'Gay' is used instead of homosexual and yet 'Queer', in my view, simply a puerile epithet is accepted and when other perfectly legitimate terms are rejected.
Surely, if we are to accept that homosexuals are genuinely 'proud' of their sexuality, (though why they should be any more proud than anyone else of any other sexuality, I'm yet to understand.), then why not call themselves what they are: homosexuals, rather than use a silly euphemism that can as easily apply to someone of different sexuality and often does?
My view is that 'Gay' is actually a betrayal or, at least, a weakness, rather than a strength within that community and not only diminishes their claim to 'pride' in their sexuality but implies shame of it.
Homosexual individuals are not what is portrayed in the sensationalised, sexualised, costumes, floats and antics of the 'Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras', they are simply individual human beings as unique as are we all.
Yes, I recognise the injustice that they have suffered and continue to suffer but that is a function of social conditioning, particularly that imposed by religions and it applies to far more than sexuality.
Can we just please accept people as they are and, if we are to fight for rights, let our aim be equity for all and an elimination of false conditioning, whether of religion, ideology, politics, schooling, or plain feeble-minded ignorance.
