So what do you think? I'd surely like to know.
Do you think that using the word "straight" to describe one's sexuality is homophobic? I do.
It implys that being "straight" is normal. The word "straight" usually implies that something is normal, regardless to what is being referenced.
Adjective
straight (comparative: straighter, superlative: straightest)
1. Not crooked or bent; having a constant direction throughout its length.
a straight line.
2. Strictly along political lines.
He always votes a straight ticket.
3. Direct, truthful, frank.
a straight answer.
4. As it should be.
Everything is straight now.
5. Undiluted.
straight whiskey.
6. Having all cylinders in a single row. (referring to an internal combustion engine)
a straight six.
I bolded that words that imply straight as being normal, and the right thing to do.
Who do you think? Is using straight to describe a heterosexual a homopobic term?
willie c wuddle wrote:I'll get STRAIGHT to the point and give you a STRAIGHT answer. It is not homophobic to call someone STRAIGHT, nor is it homophobic to call somebody a gentleman of bent persuasion. It may be homophobic if a STRAIGHT person gets cranky and irritated if a gentleman of bent persuasion rubs up against him.
LMAO-- are we speaking from experience Willie. OMG that is so funny.
Just an added note:
I'm not sure if it is homophobic per se - as its usage although linguistically dubious is not soley to denigrate, insult queers or conversely to elevate heterosexuals. So though I strongly dislike its usage to refer to heterosexuality for the reasons you stated, I do not think it is strictly homophobic, as much as it is perhaps 'insensitive' - not sure if that is the word I'm looking for but I'll go with it for now
I prefer to use words like heterosexual or hetero, or if I want to wind someone up or mock 'gays' type terminology, I might say 'straights' or 'breeders'. I am not sure though.