เกย์
gay man
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 gay man
This word usually refers to a man who is romantically or sexually attracted to men, or describes something associated with gay men. It is a common modern Thai loanword from English.
gay man
It refers to a man whose romantic or sexual attraction is toward men, especially as a sexual orientation or identity.
Learning notes
Explanation
Borrowed from English “gay,” เกย์ is a common and generally neutral word in modern Thai. The basic pattern for identifying someone as gay is เป็นเกย์, meaning “to be gay.” It can also follow a noun as a modifier, as in คู่เกย์ “gay couple” and บาร์เกย์ “gay bar.” In Thai, เกย์ usually refers to men. เลสเบี้ยน is normally used for a lesbian. When counting people, use the classifier คน.
Usage
It is used in self-identification and coming-out conversations, discussions of relationships and family, and reporting or conversations about rights, public policy, and LGBTQ+ communities. It also describes places, events, and groups associated with gay men.
Caution
Sexual orientation is sensitive personal information. Do not label someone เกย์ based on appearance, voice, clothing, or mannerisms, and do not use it as an insult questioning someone’s masculinity. Since the word usually refers to men, it is not an accurate umbrella term for all LGBTQ+ people.