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 Using it to describe a present-day individual or community may sound outdated or overly clinical.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• Homosexual (adjective/noun): The more direct clinical term for sexual orientation, also now often superseded in common language by identity-specific terms like "gay" or "lesbian."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