Gay is an adjective meaning "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy"; however in modern usage, gay is a word usually used, as either a noun or adjective, to refer to homosexuals; persons sexually oriented toward members of their own gender.

"Gay", when used as an adjective, sometimes describes traits associated with both homosexual men and women, their culture, or perceived lifestyle. The term lesbian, on the other hand, is used exclusively in a gender-specific way to describe homosexual women.

Etymology

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NPR Topics: Politics & Society

The Top Party School Shoots For A Lower Ranking
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0400
The University of Florida in Gainesville is the No. 1-ranked party school. It's a distinction that surprises some students, and administrators hope new policies will help the school change that reputation.
Pick Of Palin Sets Up Battle For Female Voters
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:41:00 -0400
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the first woman picked for a Republican presidential ticket, appeals to social and economic conservatives — and possibly disgruntled Clinton supporters. But it appears that John McCain will forfeit a chance to question Barack Obama's relative lack of experience.
McCain Picks Gov. Palin As Running Mate
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Sen. John McCain surprised a lot of people Friday by picking Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. McCain is in Dayton, Ohio to make the announcement. Madeleine Brands talk to David Schaper who's at the McCain rally in Dayton.

The Talk of the Town

Lauren Collins: The Brooklyn painter Kehinde Wiley.
Lauren Collins Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
The painter Kehinde Wiley first travelled to Nigeria in 1997. He was trying to find his father, whom he had never met, or, more crucially for a portraitist, seen. (His mother didn’t have any photographs.) After several weeks in Lagos, he found his dad, who welcomed him. But--like any . . .
James Surowiecki: What drives market volatility?
James Surowiecki Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
American investors are frazzled. True, oil prices have fallen from their most vertiginous highs, the dollar is a bit stronger, and the stock market has actually risen over the past month. But none of those things have happened in a smooth and steady fashion. The stock market’s “ascent,” in particular . . .
Hendrik Hertzberg: What Barack Obama is up against.
Hendrik Hertzberg Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
The week before the week before this week’s scheduled gathering of the delegates and their media camp followers in Denver, the nominee-presumptive of the Democratic Party did something that is strongly recommended, and ought to be mandatory, for anyone who has just logged a year and a half’s worth . . .

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