homosexuals
Those preferring same-sex
Homosexuals are people sexually attracted to others of their same sex—gay men and lesbians.
The term is clinical in origin and now sounds somewhat dated or formal compared to simply saying gay people or queer people.
It remains common in legal, medical, and religious contexts: The policy prohibited discrimination against homosexuals.
Some find it cold or reductive, preferring identity-first language.
sexuality
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- same-sex attractionRomantic interest in similar gender
- homoeroticismSame-sex sexual tension
LGBTQ · coming out · closeted · pride · heteronormative
biology
Atypical sex development
- hermaphroditismPossessing both sex organs
- sex characteristicsTraits distinguishing males, females
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures
- hormonesBloodstream signaling molecules
gay
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- same-sex attractionRomantic interest in similar gender
homoeroticism · LGBTQ · coming out · closeted · pride · heteronormative
intersex
Atypical sex development
- hermaphroditismPossessing both sex organs
- sex characteristicsTraits distinguishing males, females
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures