Gay

*Note: This article is for gay people of any gender. For gay women, see Lesbian. For gay men, see Gay (MLM/NBLM).*

## Gay

The 1979 LGBTQIA+ pride flag by Gilbert Baker.

### Alternate names & spellings

* Homosexual (circumstantial) (controversial)
* Homoromantic (circumstantial) (controversial)
* Lesbian (circumstantial) (in reference to women and some nonbinary people)
* Uranian, cinthean, turian, veldian, vincian... (circumstantial) (in reference to men and some nonbinary people)
* Cenelian (circumstantial) (in reference to nonbinary people)

### Attracted to

* Genders which are the same as, or similar to, one's own (often exclusively)
* Any gender(s), and any number of genders, as long as the attraction is queer or non-straight (as an umbrella term)

## Related terms

### Similar or related

* Lesbian
* Gay (MLM/NBLM)
* Cenelian
* Queer
* Gai
* Gaygender
* Stellian

### Counterpart or opposite

Straight (being attracted to the "opposite" gender, or genders different than one's own)

**Gay** is an identity which can be defined in multiple ways, but often refers to the experience attraction towards same and/or similar genders. This attraction is often exclusive, but does not necessarily have to be.

The gay label is often associated with men; however, any gender can be gay. Women may sometimes prefer the lesbian label, while gay men may sometimes prefer labels such as uranian, cinthean, turian, veldian, vincian, or other similar labels. Nonbinary people can also be gay, and may identify with any of the aforementioned labels.

This label can also be used as an umbrella term for any LGBTQIA+ identity, and is sometimes used in reference to the community as a whole ("the gay community"), or synonymously with the queer label. However, this can potentially exclude and invalidate people in the LGBTQIA+ people who do not experience attraction to the same or similar genders, such as some transgender, nonbinary, asexual, aromantic, and intersex people. It can also erase the identities of people who experience attraction to the same or similar genders, but do not necessarily identify as gay, such as some bisexual, achillean, and sapphic people. Some individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community embrace the gay label as an umbrella term, while others do not; one should be mindful if using the label to describe the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

## Etymology

"Homosexual" derives from the prefix *homo-*, meaning "same" (in this instance, referring to the same gender or sex), and "sexual" to denote sexuality. This term is often considered offensive, due to its historically negative connotations, and its harmful usage in outdated medical literature.

The word "gay" was initially a Middle English word meaning "bright" or "lively," dating back to the 13th century, if not earlier. It stemmed from the Anglo-French *gai*, meaning "cheerful." By the 1950s, the word "gay" referred to attraction towards the same or similar genders.

## Flag

*Please note:* There is currently no common flag that specifically represents gay people. LGBTQIA+ flags are listed here, due to these flags often being used as gay flags, and due to the gay label sometimes being used as an umbrella term. A few proposed (but not yet commonly used) gay flags are also listed here. For flags specifically intended for gay women or gay men, see the *Lesbian* and *Gay (MLM/NBLM)* articles.

### LGBTQIA+ flags

These flags represent the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, but are also commonly used to represent gay people in particular.

The original pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. Pink represented sexuality, red represented life, orange represented healing, yellow represented the sun, green represented nature, turquoise represented art and magic, blue represented harmony and serenity, and purple represented spirit. The rainbow represents the spectrum of identity, and the many elements of a person's life. Due to a lack of resources to produce this version of the flag, however, it was revised. The pink stripe was removed, and the turquoise stripe was subsequently removed in 1979 to create an even number of stripes. The six stripe version remains commonly used today.

In 2016, many stories exposed the racism which occurs within LGBTQIA+ communities in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Pride Flag, Philly Pride Flag, or More Color More Pride Flag, was made in response to this, as a way to explicitly signal intersectionality. The flag was designed in 2017 through collaboration of Philadelphia's Office of LGBT Affairs and design agency Tierney. The design was led by Amber Hikes, a civil rights activist. Black and brown stripes were added to the top of the flag in honor of queer people of color. The rest of the rainbow maintained its original symbolism: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, blue for harmony and serenity, and purple for spirit.

### Gay flags

These flags are intended to specifically and explicitly represent gay people (i.e. those who experience attraction to the same or similar genders).

A gay flag, specifically intended to represent attraction to the same and/or similar genders, was submitted to the Beyond MOGAI Pride Flags Tumblr blog on August 23, 2018. Its creator is unknown, but the meanings behind the stripes, as well as the intentions behind the flag, were specified in its proposal. Each color is paired with a similar color, representing attraction and relationships between similar genders. This is also symbolic of the fact that gay attraction doesn't necessarily need to exist between people of the exact same gender (for example, a gay man may be attracted to men *and* nonbinary people). The outermost stripes are purple, due to the color's association with LGBTQIA+ communities, which intersect directly with communities which are specifically gay.

The flag is also intended to represent all forms of attraction, and is not exclusive to sexual and romantic orientation; tertiary orientations and varioriented identities are included as well. Gay people of any gender can use this flag. The flag is intended to be inclusive, and the creator of the flag strongly discourages exclusionists from using the flag: "Any form of exclusionist/gatekeeper can’t use this flag, because this is for EVERYONE in the community, not just the ones you deem valid, and using it without believing in what it stands for is despicable."

Another gay flag was designed by Eep on an unknown date. It is intended to represent gay people of all genders. The exact symbolism is unknown, but it appears to use the seven stripe format of the sunset lesbian and ocean gay flags: a horizontal three-stripe gradient on the top and bottom, with a white stripe in the center. In this gay flag, red, orange, and yellow are used in the first gradient, while green, blue, and purple are used for the second. The gradients together create a rainbow, which was likely inspired by the Gilbert Baker LGBTQIA+ flags, and possibly represents gay diversity.

The candy gay flag was designed on September 23, 2022, by an individual who wishes to remain anonymous. The flag represents anyone who experiences attraction to the same or similar genders, love, or desire, exclusively or not, and identifies as gay. It can represent gay people of any gender, and one does not need to be gay in every orientation.

Its colors evoked candy in the mind of the creator of the flag, which is where its name is derived from. It is intended to be unique, while also being relatively easy to memorize, recognize, and recreate: two purple stripes, a light blue stripe, a white stripe in the center, a yellow stripe, and two pink stripes.

It is explicitly inspired by the sunset lesbian and ocean gay flags. Similarly to those flags, it has seven stripes, with the center stripe being white. Cool colors are placed at the top, while warm colors are placed at the bottom, with the purpose of making the flag distinct. Within the three cool stripes, there are two purple stripes; purple was prioritized due to the association lavender has with the LGBTQIA+ community. Two of the warm stripes are tinted pink, due to the association pink also has with the LGBTQIA+ community. Each stripe has an individual meaning:

* Purple represents community. This includes the LGBTQIA+ community, gay communities (including more specific subsects, such as gay MLM/NBLM and lesbian communities), and communities which accept gay people.
* Lavender represents diversity. This refers to the many ways in which people can experience attraction to the same or similar genders, and the many types of people that can experience those forms of attraction.
* Sky blue represents individual progress, as well as wider progress made as a society/community. The creator of the flag stated, "The sky is the limit!"
* White represents inclusion of gay people of any gender, race, religion, ability, etc. It also represents acceptance, without policing identity or expression. White is a combination of all colors on the color wheel, and thus was chosen to represent the combination of all gay people.
* Yellow represents joy. It was chosen due to it being "a bright and happy color."
* Grapefruit represents strength, and surviving every day, even in the face of adversity.
* Pink represents love, in all forms. The creator of the flag described this as "Love for ourselves, our partners, our friends, our families, our communities... Love."

A simplified five-striped version was created by the same person shortly afterwards, on the same day, for those who may prefer it. The simplified flag has the same meanings; however, community and diversity are merged in the purple stripe, while strength and love are merged in the pink stripe.

The honeydew gay flag, also known as the intersectional gay flag, was designed by Tumblr user kenochoric on December 6, 2022. It was designed to represent anyone who considers themselves gay, regardless of gender. It is not a queer flag or general LGBTQIA+ flag. The flag was made for unity and solidarity among gay people, as well as for the purpose of having a non-gendered gay flag. The flag can be used by gay men, gay women, gay nonbinary people, and any other gay person.

    They created two versions of the honeydew gay flag: one which follows the format of the sunset lesbian and ocean gay flags, and one which is styled without ties to those flags. Each stripe has its own individual meaning:

* Orange represents personal identity and lived experience. It recognizes that every gay person is different, and leads their own unique life. This stripe appreciates and acknowledges the rich diversity among gay people, both historically and presently.
* Red represents gay rights, acceptance, and history. It honors those who have fought for gay rights throughout history, and pushes for gay rights in our current laws and society.
* Pink-purple represents solidarity, unity, and family among gay people. It encourages the uplifting of gay people, recognizing each other as a unified force that works together. It is also a nod to how the word "family" has been used as code for fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community.
* Light green represents gay intersectionality. This stripe acknowledges the different ways that people are marginalized within the gay community, and gives recognition to those specific marginalized groups: gay women, gay disabled people, gay people of color, gay transgender people, gay intersex people, and so on. This promotes internal and external equality and support. The name "honeydew gay flag" derives from this stripe.
* Blue-purple represents gay remembrance and mourning. This stripe honors the legacy of those who have been lost, both throughout history and recently, and carries forward their names.
* Blue represents gay pride and gay love. This includes pride in oneself, self-love, and the love gay people have for each other, either as a community, or on a smaller scale.
* Teal represents support towards gay people, especially those in dire situations. This stripe encourages the protection of all gay people, and protecting those most vulnerable in particular. This includes those who can't come out, are in dangerous situations, are marginalized even within the gay community, and/or need to be uplifted the most.

## Gallery

A romance-oriented version of the 2018 gay flag.A romance-oriented version of the gay flag by Eep.A romance-oriented version of the candy gay flag.A romance-oriented version of the simplified candy gay flag.
## Notes

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Nonbinary people may also be included in both groups, due to the vast nature of nonbinary identity.
2. ↑ Tumblr user kenochoric has gone by many pronouns over the years, but it is unclear what pronouns they currently use. They are referred to with they/them pronouns here to maintain neutrality and ambiguity.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Gay. The Trans Language Primer.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 WHAT IS LGBTQIA+?. The Center.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 PFLAG National Glossary of Terms. PFLAG.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Terms & Definitions. Amherst College.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 'LGBTI' People and Communities. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (2019-06-28). Archived from the original on April 20, 2021.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 List of LGBTQ+ terms. Stonewall. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Terms to Know. Out Front Theatre Company. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023.
8. ↑ McNabb, Charlie. *Queer Adolescence: Understanding the Lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Youth*. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2020. ISBN 9781538132814. "Lesbians are women or woman-aligned people who are sexually or romantically attracted to other women or woman-aligned people. Some lesbians prefer to identify as gay or as gay woman."
9. ↑ Lesbian Definition & Meaning. Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022.
10. ↑ Symonds, John Addington. *A Problem in Greek Ethics*. 1883. English. ISBN 9781605063898.
11. ↑ Carpenter, Edward. *The Intermediate Sex*. 1921. English. ISBN 9781138184206.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Sotska, Julia (2022-01-10). Uranian - What is it? What does it mean?. Taimi.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cinthean. Carrd.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 halcyotis (2020-07-05). Hey! So, as a gay man.... Archived from the original on July 5, 2020.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Rowan (2020-11-13). So for gay labels I’m currently thinking:.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Rowan (2021-10-24). Some clarifications on turian/veldian, since it needs to be said:.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Rowan (2022-07-23). veldian’s usual definition is “gay attraction to men,”.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Rowan. Veldian / Turian. Carrd.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Rowan (2020-11-25). Turian and lavenian.
20. ↑ bivirgil (2018-06-22). I really wanna work on getting a popular flag that’s just for gay men.. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022.
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 bivirgil (2018-06-22). So inspired by @wuvsbian I wanted to make my own pride flag for male attracted men.... Archived from the original on January 22, 2022.
22. ↑ Homo Definition & Meaning. Dictionary.com.
23. ↑ Homosexual Definition & Meaning. Merriam-Webster.
24. ↑ Gay Definition & Meaning. Merriam-Webster.
25. ↑ Terms & Definitions. Amherst College. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022.
26. ↑ Melendez, Lyanne (2017-03-01). LGBTQ PRIDE: Gilbert Baker, creator of rainbow flag, shares story of strength and pride. ABC7. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022.
27. ↑ How The Pride Rainbow Flag Came To Be. NBC News.
28. ↑ Deane, Ben (2021-06-12). The Philly Pride flag, explained. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 I designed a homo- flag! (2018-08-23).
30. ↑ Eep. Straightbian Positivity Account.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 Candy Gay Source 1.png (2022-09-23).
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 32.5 32.6 32.7 Candy Gay Source 2.png (2022-09-23).
33. ↑ Candy Gay Source 3.png (2022-09-23).
34. ↑ Candy Gay Source 4.png (2022-09-23).
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5 35.6 35.7 35.8 Rowan (2022-12-06). Gay flag.