expressions - Is it rude to call a gay person "homosexual?"


I was talking to one of my co-workers today. We have two homosexual persons in our office. I forgot one's name, so I asked my co-worker, "What's his name?" My co-worker said "Who?", and I replied, "one of the homosexual persons."


Then, my co-worker told me that it is rude to call them "homosexual". I used "homosexual" because I thought it was better than "gay". Am I wrong?



Answer



Rudeness is perceptual. The co-worker has associated the (correct) term "homosexual" with negative connotations. The term "gay" is a slang word for homosexuality. Therefore, the word you selected is more appropriate.


The bottom line is your co-worker has personal issues with the word, "homosexual". Ironically, many homosexuals also have this problem. Logically speaking, the matter should be moot. However, arguing a emotionally charged matter such as this is rather difficult, and usually does not end well.


My advice is to simply use the word "gay" around that particular person, to make your life easier.


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