Because that’s how people use it. “Gay” means attracted to the same sex, and isn’t just exclusive to men. Without context, you might interpret “gay” to refer to a man by default. But when referring to a woman, “gay” means the same thing as “lesbian”, albeit with a bit less of a sexualized connotation (Thanks porn!). Hence why people prefer it in some contexts.
Like here, when having a serious conversation about homosexuality and experiencing homophobia firsthand, speaking clinically by using neutral words in place of ones with heavier connotations helps to increase listeners’ understanding. Hence why choosing to use “gay” instead of “lesbian” is probably a deliberate choice. In other contexts, “lesbian” can be preferable over “gay”. Like when trying to make a distinction between “gay men and gay women”, it’s a lot less wordy to say “gay and lesbian”.
Comments - 4
Nes370
Loved this scene in the novel. It adapted quite well in the show!
Gradius
Why using the word “gay” instead of LESBIAN ?!
Nes370
Because that’s how people use it. “Gay” means attracted to the same sex, and isn’t just exclusive to men. Without context, you might interpret “gay” to refer to a man by default. But when referring to a woman, “gay” means the same thing as “lesbian”, albeit with a bit less of a sexualized connotation (Thanks porn!). Hence why people prefer it in some contexts.
Like here, when having a serious conversation about homosexuality and experiencing homophobia firsthand, speaking clinically by using neutral words in place of ones with heavier connotations helps to increase listeners’ understanding. Hence why choosing to use “gay” instead of “lesbian” is probably a deliberate choice. In other contexts, “lesbian” can be preferable over “gay”. Like when trying to make a distinction between “gay men and gay women”, it’s a lot less wordy to say “gay and lesbian”.
ZukiSu
Never thought I’d see a fag engaging in a serious discussion about faggotry in Nyaa, hahaha!