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.

The gay community and the world at large

The GLBT community represents the emotional, cultural, social and erotic lives of its members. Although there is wide cultural variation within the community, social cohesion exists, for several reasons. For example, many GLBT people have been through similar experiences. The community has also served as a refuge from homophobia, though this role is decreasing (at least in parts of the developed world) as society becomes more comfortable with GLBTs.

Related Topics:
GLBT - Homophobia

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Aside from their romantic and erotic relationships, lesbian and gay people establish same-sex friendships. They may choose to attend GLBT-friendly social gatherings and church services where they feel more welcome. However, many heterosexuals treat members of the GLBT community with respect. Gay friendly is a term for predominantly straight individuals and institutions who support political rights and social dignity for gay people.

Related Topics:
Gay friendly - Straight

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The lesbian and gay community represents a social component of the global community that is underrepresented in the area of civil rights. The current struggle of the gay community has been largely brought about by globalization. In the United States, World War II brought together many closeted rural men from around the nation and exposed them to sophisticated attitudes in Europe. Upon returning home after the war, many of these men decided to band together in cities rather than return to their small towns. Fledgling communities would soon become political in the beginning of the gay rights movement. Today, many large cities have gay and lesbian community centers. The Human Rights Campaign advocates for GLBT people on a wide range of issues in the United States. There is an International Lesbian and Gay Association.

Related Topics:
Civil rights - United States - Gay rights - Human Rights Campaign - International Lesbian and Gay Association

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In parts of the world today partnership rights or marriage have been extended to lesbians and gay men, a further extension of social globalization. Marriage becomes hugely important when lovers are not from the same country. Without marriage, or an equivalent right to immigrate, a couple or occasionally even family can be broken up based solely on the genders of the people involved.

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The modern lesbian and gay community has a growing and complex place in the American & Western European media. The community has been targeted by marketers who view LGBT people as an untapped source of discretionary income; however, lesbians and gay men are still often portrayed negatively in television, films, and other media (such as the widespread banning of references from child-related entertainment; when references occur, they almost invariably generate controversy). In 1997, when US Comedian Ellen DeGeneres came out of the closet on her popular sitcom, many sponsors, such as the Wendy's fast food chain, pulled their advertising. In the USA gay people are frequently used as a symptom (or symbol) of social decadence by celebrity reverends and by organizations such as Focus on the Family. Many GLBT organizations exist to represent and defend the gay community. For example the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in the USA and Stonewall in the UK work with the media to help portray fair and accurate images of the gay community.

Related Topics:
Television - Film - 1997 - Ellen DeGeneres - Sitcom - Focus on the Family - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - Gay community

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