Homosexual

Homosexual describes a sexual orientation in which a person feels attracted, predominantly or exclusively, to people of the same gender. The term can be used in a general sense, but many people find it formal or somewhat distant.

For homosexual men, the term “gay” is commonly used; for homosexual women, “lesbian” is often preferred. Some people like these labels, while others avoid “homosexual” because the term was historically used mainly in medical and pathologizing contexts. The appropriate self-designation should always follow the wishes of the person concerned.