homophile
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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 Using it to describe a present-day individual or community may sound outdated or overly clinical.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- Homosexual (adjective/noun): The more direct clinical term for sexual orientation, also now often superseded in common language by identity-specific terms like "gay" or "lesbian."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
- homosexual or arousing homosexual desires
Noun
- someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex