Oops. Meant to post this yesterday. But it is deserted here at work, so will indulge in a little on-the-job blogging before leaving early!

Hmmm. Apparently I’m either not listening or don’t have a nuance for language. According to John Aravosis, the word “homosexual” is “degrading and offensive and archaic.”

I’ve written about this before, and some have disagreed. But I’d argue that those who disagree don’t understand the nuance of language or of this particular phrase. Ask any gay person, regardless of whether they agree or disagree that the word “homosexual” is archaic and offensive, whether they use the term “gay” or “homosexual” to described themselves. I.e., “I’m gay” or “I’m a homosexual.” Just ask them. Unless they’re living under a rock, gay people rarely if ever use the word homosexual. (My gay-friendly straight friends, however, use the term all the time. In the same way that I still hear friends use the word “oriental.”)

I’m not sure agree with part of his rationale…that “homosexual … [is] a scientific word that mildly dehumanizes gay people by suggesting that they have a medical or psychological condition.” Isn’t that like saying that heterosexual is a word that dehumanizes straight people? Then again, I never had to concern myself with “heterosexuality” being in the DSM

That said, I do see the point that “homosexual” is used negatively by the religious right, and as such, may well have acquired the nuance that troubles the gay community.

So … I’m happy to retire the h-word. Not that I ever used it that much.