homophile

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Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Relating to or characterized by a sexual attraction to members of one's own sex; homosexual. The term describes feelings, desires, or a general orientation.
    • Pertaining to advocacy for the rights and acceptance of homosexual people. This usage is often historical, relating to early organized movements.
  2. Noun:

    • A person who is sexually attracted to members of their own sex; a homosexual person.
Usage and Examples
  • Adjective:
    • The early 20th-century organization promoted homophile rights and social acceptance.
    • Several homophile publications were circulated discreetly before the Stonewall era.
  • Noun:
    • He was an active homophile who worked with pioneering advocacy groups.
    • The conference brought together homophiles from across the country to discuss common goals.
Advanced Usage and Notes
  • Historical Context: "Homophile" was a term preferred by many mid-20th-century activists and organizations (e.g., the Mattachine Society, the Daughters of Bilitis) before the terms "gay," "lesbian," and "LGBT" gained prominence. It was often seen as a more clinical, formal, and less stigmatizing alternative at the time.
  • Modern Usage: The term is now largely archaic and historical. It is rarely used in contemporary speech except when discussing the history of LGBT rights movements. Using it to describe a present-day individual or community may sound outdated or overly clinical.
Variants and Related Words
  • Homophilia (noun): A now largely obsolete term for homosexuality or the advocacy of homosexual rights.
  • Homosexual (adjective/noun): The more direct clinical term for sexual orientation, also now often superseded in common language by identity-specific terms like "gay" or "lesbian."
Synonyms
  • Adjective: Homosexual, gay.
  • Noun: Homosexual, gay person, lesbian (for women).
Important Distinction
  • Do not confuse "homophile" with "homophobe." A is a person attracted to the same sex or an advocate for their rights. A is a person with a fear, dislike, or prejudice against homosexual people. The suffixes are opposite: "-phile" means "loving or fond of," while "-phobe" means "fearing or averse to."
Adjective
  1. homosexual or arousing homosexual desires
Noun
  1. someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex

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