Do we care if a person is gay or straight?

. . . . I ddon't like to label people witg the "G" or "H" words . . . .

I suppose the "G" word is gay.

What is the "H" word???

Would it be "homosexual"?

..... I ddon't like to label people witg the "G" or "H" words i just call them "different" .....

Please don't hijack the word "different" because you dare not use a word that is actually clear as to its meaning.

Say what you mean. It isn't 'impolite' to do so.

Would it be "homosexual"?

Yes, that's it.

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I ddon't like to label people witg the "G" or "H" words

So what's the matter with the label gay or homosexual?

I suppose the "G" word is gay.

What is the "H" word???

MissStress, answered that for you

Would it be "homosexual"?

Yes, that's it.

[color=#ffffff] . [/color]So what's the matter with the label gay or homosexual?

Nothing wrong I just dont like calling people that, I think it's rude and hurtfull for some to be called that.

Please don't hijack the word "different" because you dare not use a word that is actually clear as to its meaning.

Say what you mean. It isn't 'impolite' to do so.

"impolite" how so?

What is the "H" word???

My first thought was 'homo' - which isn't really polite in my book either. In high school that is the word that students used and it was not a neutral term at all.

And if you use the word 'homosexual', that contains the word 'sex' in it, which many people still find distasteful to use in public, or think is a manifestation of being obsessed with sex. So, this word is also not really neutral.

Mind you, I'm not someone who minds talk about sex in public. I'm just saying that many other people are still uncomfortable with it.

All of that said, it is however difficult to know what exact words and terms to use nowadays, because connotations and unspoken meanings change so rapidly when it comes to matters of sexual orientation. In Dutch for instance, to avoid all the older loaded terms, 'gay' is now in common usage and usually means that the user has a positive evaluation of being gay. And I'm pretty certain gay is also used in French as well, at least in urban areas.

People are people. I take everyone at face value, until someone gives me a reason not to. I don't care if you're gay, straight, bi, multi, or a-sexual. OK, I guess beastiality is a big ICK for me. If your partner can consent and is of age to do so, you be you and I'll be me.

. . . .I guess beastiality is a big ICK for me. . . .

I wouldn't want to do that either, but I have seen videos of it and they turned me on!

I must say being gay or straight really doesn't matter to me. What matters is that we each treat each other with respect; the Golden Rule has been a good guide for me so far in life and I don't expect that to change. You treat me with respect and I'll return that respect whatever your orientation.

I'm somewhat bi, I don't mind engaging in some enema play with guys, I've had fun with straight guys and with gay guys. I have no desire to go "down" on another guy, but if they want to go down on me, especially during some "E" play, that'a fine with me. I don't mess around with just anyone has to be the same standards as when I choose a woman. Clean with a great attitude and someone that I feel a connection with.

Men and women are all very interesting to me regardless of their sexual preference.

No people are people. What they prefer is their choice.

Not at all. Period.

To each their own!

I care more about if they are contributing to society, are kind, honest, and respectful.

I'm bi and dont get about one's orientation, just don't make it a mission to convert others. Respect everyone's uniqueness.

I'm bi and dont get about one's orientation,

Of course you don't care. You go both ways.

If you did care you would be prejudiced against yourself! 😁 😁 😁

Gender preference is a choice for some and a biological direction for others. I don't care what any person prefers as long as they are not dangerous to themselves or others.

I said in reply to @DrJ

Please don't hijack the word "different" because you dare not use a word that is actually clear as to its meaning.

Say what you mean. It isn't 'impolite' to do so.

@DrJ said

"impolite" how so?

@agracier said

My first thought was 'homo' - which isn't really polite in my book either. In high school that is the word that students used and it was not a neutral term at all.

And if you use the word 'homosexual', that contains the word 'sex' in it, which many people still find distasteful to use in public, or think is a manifestation of being obsessed with sex. So, this word is also not really neutral.

Mind you, I'm not someone who minds talk about sex in public. I'm just saying that many other people are still uncomfortable with it.

All of that said, it is however difficult to know what exact words and terms to use nowadays, because connotations and unspoken meanings change so rapidly when it comes to matters of sexual orientation. In Dutch for instance, to avoid all the older loaded terms, 'gay' is now in common usage and usually means that the user has a positive evaluation of being gay. And I'm pretty certain gay is also used in French as well, at least in urban areas.

@DrJ - what @agracier said is what I meant. The term 'gay' is the currently accepted term, and if used properly, is unlikely to cause offence to those with that orientation. It is not impolite to use it - but yes, to refer to someone as homosexual does have the problems that agracier stated.

I would argue that to refer to a gay person as 'different' might cause confusion and to some, would probably cause offence. It could come across as seeking to skate around the fact of a person's sexual orientation as if it is unmentionable. Also, 'different' would be more commonly understood as meaning 'eccentric', 'odd', or 'peculiar'. To call a gay person 'eccentric', 'odd' or 'peculiar' might not go down so well. The word 'different' is no better.

@DrZ said

I would argue that to refer to a gay person as 'different' might cause confusion and to some, woulod probably cause offence.

I both agree and disagree with what you have said. I would not call a gay person 'different', and I am sure many would take offense to that. But, I would like to point out that our sexual preferences ARE different. Not meaning 'odd' or 'peculiar', just meaning not the same. However, I wouldn't use this in reference to just gender preferences.

I know some people who despise pubic hair, others will not touch a 'bald' girl. That is a difference. And our preferences on chest size, height, weight, style, age... You are HIGHLY unlikely to EVER find two people who have the EXACT same taste.

So we are all different, and but I would not use that to denote simply gender preference. As my grandmother once pointed out, we gays have out own alphabet, LGBT being the tip of the iceberg. So you shouldn't struggle to find the correct term for someone. If you don't know that term, 'gay' is a pretty good term for generally 'not straight' people. If 'gay' isn't a word they like, most will provide you with another term.

I hate political correctness.

The only reason to use gay or lesbian is because they have fewer syllables than homosexual. The same goes for bi and trans having fewer syllables than bisexual or transsexual.

I can say this because I also enjoy a woman a few times a year, so I could be called bisexual.

So, screw political correctness. I call a spade a spade....or can I not use that phrase any more???

I'm surprised that I didn't realize what the "H word" was in my 2016.09.06 15:11 post. The only letter words I was aware of were the F word, N word, L word. I would have to think about any others because I say what I mean without pulling any punches or softening what I mean to be politically correct.

@JR3 said

@DrZ saidI both agree and disagree with what you have said. I would not call a gay person 'different', and I am sure many would take offense to that. But, I would like to point out that our sexual preferences ARE different. Not meaning 'odd' or 'peculiar', just meaning not the same. However, I wouldn't use this in reference to just gender preferences.

I know some people who despise pubic hair, others will not touch a 'bald' girl. That is a difference. And our preferences on chest size, height, weight, style, age... You are HIGHLY unlikely to EVER find two people who have the EXACT same taste.

So we are all different, and but I would not use that to denote simply gender preference. As my grandmother once pointed out, we gays have out own alphabet, LGBT being the tip of the iceberg. So you shouldn't struggle to find the correct term for someone. If you don't know that term, 'gay' is a pretty good term for generally 'not straight' people. If 'gay' isn't a word they like, most will provide you with another term.

Yes, quite so, JR. You're right. A gay person is indeed different by not being 'straight', or heterosexual, but is no less valid. I'm not so sure that it is a safe term to refer to sexual orientation, as it could be taken to imply that being gay is less valid. Some people might be a little sensitive about that, and others might not.

By being kinky, or having non-vanilla interests, all of us here are 'different', so I think my real point is that the word shouldn't be used euphemistically in such a narrow sense as a misguided attempt to avoid mentioning someone's sexuality.

I hate political correctness.

The only reason to use gay or lesbian is because they have fewer syllables than homosexual. The same goes for bi and trans having fewer syllables than bisexual or transsexual.

Political correctness goes both ways you know - left and right. It is usually just another way of saying that something is a touchy subject.

I'd say that my take on the popularity of gay, lesbian, bi and trans is that not only are the terms shorter, but mainly because they do not contain the dreaded, politically incorrect and nasty, suggestive and immoral word 'sex'. Not wanting to use any word with 'sex' in it, is also a form of political correctness. Though it is usually considered simply being prudish, squeamish or very religious, it is also another way of shaping the mental world you live in by linguistic manipulation.

Political correctness goes both ways you know - left and right. It is usually just another way of saying that something is a touchy subject.

I like to deal with touchy subjects by punching them in the face.

No mercy for the meek.

If someone can't listen to or say a word, there is no hope for them.

The only letter words I was aware of were the ... L word.

OK. I've often said I've been gone too long from the US. So tell me, what is the L word? I cannot think of any sexual, racist or derogatory term that starts with L.

The L word is LOVE.

Some people have trouble saying the L word as in "I love you," etc.

I think there used to be a cable TV show called "The L Word."

I like to deal with touchy subjects by punching them in the face.

No mercy for the meek.

You could also try simple politeness instead of (metaphorical I hope) punching.

By the way, don't forget that those guys are going to inherit the Earth. You might want to consider getting on their good side ... ha ha ha

The L word is LOVE.

Some people have trouble saying the L word as in I love you, etc.

Good grief. Now I have heard everything ... ha ha ha

You could also try simple politeness instead of (metaphorical I hope) punching.

I thought the metaphor of PUNCHING gave extra IMPACT. 😁 😁 😁

(sorry, I couldn't resist that)

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By the way, don't forget that those guys are going to inherit the Earth. You might want to consider getting on their good side ... ha ha ha

None of us are going to be here when that happens.

It's not our problem.

@DrJ - what @agracier said is what I meant. The term 'gay' is the currently accepted term, and if used properly, is unlikely to cause offence to those with that orientation. It is not impolite to use it - but yes, to refer to someone as homosexual does have the problems that agracier stated.

I would argue that to refer to a gay person as 'different' might cause confusion and to some, would probably cause offence. It could come across as seeking to skate around the fact of a person's sexual orientation as if it is unmentionable. Also, 'different' would be more commonly understood as meaning 'eccentric', 'odd', or 'peculiar'. To call a gay person 'eccentric', 'odd' or 'peculiar' might not go down so well. The word 'different' is no better.

So you're saying is way better to insult someone than use a kinder way of putting things? , I'm sorry but that's not how I was raised. I can see what you're saying and all and I respect the way you think as I hope you respect the way I think.

Whatever is being said, it is not an insult when the truth is being stated.

The preference to be gay or lesbian (homosexual) is different from being straight (heterosexual), but that isn't any different than being Christian, Jewish or Islamic or if you don't like the religious analogy; American, Russian or Chinese; or liking vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream or liking Earl Grey, Darjeeling or Green Tea. You get the idea. There are differences, but they do not make a difference.

@DrJ said

So you're saying is way better to insult someone than use a kinder way of putting things?

Oh come on now. You must know that gay people often refer to their own orientation as gay, and those with that orientation do not usually take it as an insult if straight people use that word. There really isn't anything 'kinder' about using a word that avoids using the word 'gay'. Just to repeat, that is the accepted term by gay people.

Depending who is involved, to call them 'different' could sound like you are having a dig, and could potentially get you into trouble quite quickly. It could be seen as anything but 'kind'.