A man who is either emotionally and/ or physically attracted to a man is gay. This is a sexual orientation that helps to describe oneself - both to oneself and to the outside world. In this context, the term "homosexual" is often used - although this actually refers "only" to same-sex love.
The term "gay" is not an invention of modern times. In fact, the word was used for the first time in the 19th century. Before that, of course, there were men who loved men (and women who loved women). But a real word did not exist until then.
The fact that gay (and also bisexual) men at that time met in sweaty rooms to party and "have fun" and that it was "sultry" in the corresponding locations led to the term "gay".
Gay as a swear word
Unfortunately, many people still use the word "gay" as a swear word. Often there is no direct relationship to the actual meaning. Thus, sometimes things that are perceived as unpleasant or as a nuisance are also called "gay" per se.
This makes it all the more important to invest in education in order to teach even children at a young age that "gay" is by no means a word with a negative connotation, but rather a term for a man who loves men.
Not all men who like men call themselves gay
Anyone who is often on the move in chats and on relevant sites, often comes across the term "MSM". This is the abbreviation for for "men who have sex with men" and thus about an alternative preferred by some men.
Sometimes they want to protect themselves from hostility, but sometimes they do not define themselves as gay. They enjoy sex with men, including orgies, but love women. Often the boundaries to bisexuality are fluid here.
However, most gay men have no problem calling themselves "gay."
Being gay over time and in different countries
As already mentioned, being gay is not a "phenomenon" that has emerged only in recent years. This sexual orientation can already look back on a long history. Even men in ancient times were already gay. There are numerous sources that show that wealthy men often kept "love slaves". And also at orgies people did not distinguish between "male" and "female".
In modern times, however, many gay people were considered criminals. It was a punishable offense to be gay or to be caught performing gay acts. In some countries, there was (or still is) a threat of imprisonment or even the death penalty.
However, there are also positive examples and evidence that society has also become increasingly tolerant in some countries over the years. In many nations, marriage for all has been permitted. And the formerly strict ban on blood donations (or the tough requirements that also prevailed in Germany) have also been gradually relaxed or almost completely dropped.
Even if there is still a long way to go before complete equality is achieved: In many countries around the world, the situation for gays has already improved. And it is also thanks to the tireless work of activists that the focus is repeatedly directed to this important issue.
Gay is simply homosexual among men and lesbian is the homosexual term for women.