In the 1960s, gay became the word favored by homosexual men to describe their sexual orientation. In modern English, gay has come to be used as an adjective, and as a noun, referring to the community, practices and cultures associated with homosexuality. The term's use as a reference to male homosexuality may date as early as the late 19th century, but its use gradually increased in the mid-20th century.

Gay is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. People at the 2008 gay marriage rally, including a protester who's sign says 'THE GAY AGENDA: 1.