Forget ‘lesbian’, the word is ‘gayelle’

SYDNEY: A Group of lesbians who are unhappy with the title have launched a world-wide movement to change the name of their sexuality to “gayelle”. Websites devoted to the change are springing up, with the motivation said to be a “persistent distaste for the word lesbian.”

Gayelle, denoting anyone gay and female, is made up of the words “gay” and “elle” meaning “she” in French. Supporters, who are hoping it takes on world-wide, say the new term is less derogatory than the word lesbian, backers argue, who believe a change of moniker would take the offense out of the term.

“The invention of “gayelle” is with the idea and hope that it will have a worldwide appeal, and ultimately, supersede the word lesbian; a suitable replacement is necessary for positive language and the healthy self-esteem of the gay-female-population,” one website states.

“The word lesbian is antiquated; it is not representative of modern times, and or, of persons with modern views. Lesbian does not sound cheerful and fun, nor does it mean merry, like the word gay does; rather, it sounds more like loner, loser, and less. Gay females deserve more, not less. “Moreover, the word lesbian is so frequently used derogatorily, that to be called a lesbian is almost tantamount to being called an offensive name.” The team argues gay does not reflect their sexuality as it has become associated with homosexual men.