Gay

Until several decades ago, the word gay meant something like "jolly" or "mirthful", as in the French gai. In contemporary usage, however, that meaning is uncommon nowadays; the term is usually synonymous with "homosexual." When referring to a group of people, the term often means "male homosexual" — if gay women are referred to, the word "lesbian" is often used instead.

See also

• List of gay-related topics
• List of gay, lesbian or bisexual people
• bisexuality
• civil rights
• coming out
• dyke
• ex-gay
• gay rights
• lesbian
• queer
• LGBT History Month