I've never seen a feature in GT, Attitude or any other forum that might discuss such issues. While I accept that it's possible I might be looking in the wrong place, It doesn't seem plausible that there is a secret Ryan Bailey gay fan club.
I'm going to assume that the OP doesn't simply insert words into their sentences at random, and that when they write something they intend to convey a meaning. If the first (descriptive) meaning (i.e. that RB is a gay icon) is not true (it isn't), then a meaning must be secondary-that is to say, that the reader should draw a subliminal meaning from the use of an association.
Given that saying 'Ryan Bailey is an Icon' would seem to be positively loaded, the inserting of the word 'gay' as a modifier can be for the sole purpose of replacing positive association with negative.
o if you are a gay icon, you cant be a "tough as nails SOB"? That's a pretty controversial thing to say
Yep, which is why I objected to the OP. Also it doesn't have to be specific association in that way, but a general use of the word 'gay' to mean 'bad', or in some way negative or inferior.
I don't mean to make specific behavioural claims about who can and can't be a gay icon, or any normative deductions we should make from that. I simply hope to point out that words are important, and if used carelessly can be insulting, offensive, or hurtful.
However, thanks for the many positive responses, I'm sure it was unintentional or done without thinking.
James
