what did they call gay people in the 1940s

What Did They Call Gay People in the 1940s?

By Matthew Anderson
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In the mid-20th century, the terminology used to describe individuals who identified as gay or lesbian was significantly different from the language used today. The 1940s, a time of World War II and post-war recovery, saw a variety of terms in use, reflecting the societal attitudes and cultural norms of the era.

It's essential to note that the use of these terms was often influenced by the prevailing social climate, which was largely homophobic. Many terms were derogatory or pejorative, reflecting the stigma and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community during this time.

Terminology in the 1940s

The 1940s saw a mix of old and new terms being used to describe gay people. Some terms had been in use for centuries, while others were coined or popularized during this decade.

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two young men holding up a sign that says not married but welling to be
two young men holding up a sign that says not married but welling to be
group of people walking with gay pride sign
group of people walking with gay pride sign
an old black and white photo of people marching down the street with gay pride signs
an old black and white photo of people marching down the street with gay pride signs

One of the most common terms used in the 1940s was "homosexual." This term, derived from the Latin words "homo" meaning "same" and "sexualis" meaning "of sex," was first used in the late 19th century. However, it gained more widespread use in the mid-20th century, including during the 1940s.

Homosexual

The term "homosexual" was often used in medical and psychological contexts, reflecting the then-prevailing view that homosexuality was a mental illness. It was also used in legal contexts, as laws criminalizing homosexuality were still in place in many countries.

two men kissing each other with the caption that reads, the photo was one of the only place where photos like this could be both taken and developed safely in the 1960s
two men kissing each other with the caption that reads, the photo was one of the only place where photos like this could be both taken and developed safely in the 1960s
two young men sitting next to each other in front of a sign that says pink news
two young men sitting next to each other in front of a sign that says pink news
Montgomery Clift, Gay History, Rock Hudson, The Way He Looks, Reference Images, Classic Hollywood, Drawing Poses, Photo Posters, Old Hollywood
Montgomery Clift, Gay History, Rock Hudson, The Way He Looks, Reference Images, Classic Hollywood, Drawing Poses, Photo Posters, Old Hollywood

For instance, in the United States, the term was used in the now-repealed sodomy laws, which criminalized sexual acts between people of the same sex. The American Psychiatric Association didn't remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders until 1973.

Other Terms

Other terms used in the 1940s included "fairy," "queer," and "pansy." These terms were often used in a derogatory manner, reflecting the negative attitudes towards homosexuality at the time. "Fairy" and "pansy" were particularly offensive, as they were used to mock and belittle gay men by associating them with femininity and weakness.

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"Queer" was also used in a derogatory sense, although it has since been reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a term of pride and identity. In the 1940s, it was often used to refer to anyone who was perceived as not conforming to traditional gender norms, including gay men, lesbians, and transgender individuals.

two men embracing each other in front of a wooden building with a door and window
two men embracing each other in front of a wooden building with a door and window
two men hugging each other in front of a stop sign with the word thru traffic written on it
two men hugging each other in front of a stop sign with the word thru traffic written on it
two young men standing next to each other in front of a postcard with writing on it
two young men standing next to each other in front of a postcard with writing on it
an article in the news about how to spot a possible homoo, and what it means
an article in the news about how to spot a possible homoo, and what it means
two men holding hands while walking down the street with protest signs in front of them
two men holding hands while walking down the street with protest signs in front of them
two men are kissing each other while another man is standing next to them with his arms around him
two men are kissing each other while another man is standing next to them with his arms around him

The Evolution of Terminology

The terminology used to describe gay people has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and cultural norms. The 1940s was a period of transition, as older terms were challenged and new terms emerged.

For instance, the term "gay" began to be used in the mid-20th century as a euphemism for homosexuality. It was initially used by gay men in the 1940s and 1950s, often in underground or coded language. However, it didn't gain widespread use until the 1960s and 1970s, with the rise of the gay rights movement.

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The Emergence of "Gay"

The term "gay" was initially used as a euphemism, a way for gay men to refer to themselves in a coded or discreet manner. It was often used in underground or secretive contexts, reflecting the need for gay people to hide their identities due to societal stigma and legal discrimination.

two men sitting on a couch kissing each other with a quote from the movie twin peaks
two men sitting on a couch kissing each other with a quote from the movie twin peaks
an old black and white photo of two boys on top of a building with their arms around each other
an old black and white photo of two boys on top of a building with their arms around each other
Vintage Queer, 1920s Gay Men, Queer Vintage, Vintage Lgbtq Photos, Queer Photography Vintage Photos, Queer People In History, Queer Vintage Photos, Historical Lgbtq Photos, Old Queer Photography
Vintage Queer, 1920s Gay Men, Queer Vintage, Vintage Lgbtq Photos, Queer Photography Vintage Photos, Queer People In History, Queer Vintage Photos, Historical Lgbtq Photos, Old Queer Photography
an old black and white photo of a man kissing a woman in front of a car
an old black and white photo of a man kissing a woman in front of a car
two men in uniforms standing next to each other
two men in uniforms standing next to each other
two men in uniforms hugging each other on the side of the road with houses behind them
two men in uniforms hugging each other on the side of the road with houses behind them
an old black and white photo of two people holding umbrellas in their hands while standing next to each other
an old black and white photo of two people holding umbrellas in their hands while standing next to each other
we have always existed poster with pictures of people in the same family and age
we have always existed poster with pictures of people in the same family and age
the collage shows two men and one woman hugging each other
the collage shows two men and one woman hugging each other
black and white photograph of people marching down the street holding signs that say gay pride
black and white photograph of people marching down the street holding signs that say gay pride
an advertisement for homosexuality is shown in red and blue
an advertisement for homosexuality is shown in red and blue
19 Powerful Photos From The Early Struggle For LGBT Rights
19 Powerful Photos From The Early Struggle For LGBT Rights
two men sitting next to each other in front of a wall with newspapers on it
two men sitting next to each other in front of a wall with newspapers on it
a group of men standing next to each other with one man kissing the other's cheek
a group of men standing next to each other with one man kissing the other's cheek

However, as the gay rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, the term "gay" began to be used more openly and proudly. It was adopted as a term of identity and pride, reflecting the growing visibility and activism of the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, the term "gay" is widely accepted and used to describe individuals who are attracted to people of the same sex. It's a testament to the evolution of language and the progress made in societal attitudes towards homosexuality. However, it's important to remember the historical context and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the past.

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