Why Do Kids Today Use “gay” as a Derogative?

Question by M. HippocratEz: Why do kids today use “gay” as a derogative?
I’ve heard and seen a lot of minors in the U.S., from 4 to 16 years old, and a few adults, use the word “gay” to describe something stupid, wrong, gross, or just oppositional to their point of view (not including anything that has to do with homosexuality). For example, “Why would you do heroin? That is just gay.” Why is this happening? Is it acceptable? What can we do to change this? Why am I finding it to be so prevalent? Is this part of miseducation/propaganda sponsored by the religious right or other haters?

Best answer:

Answer by Zombie Lyon
This isn’t anything new. I remember when I was 10, kids used this as a derogative. That was 22 years ago.

Whenever I here someone say, “That’s gay.” My response is, “That is cool, huh?” or “Lucky them!”

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