noun
- Plural of homophile; people who are attracted to or have a preference for members of the same sex.
Usage: dated or formal; largely replaced by 'gay' and 'lesbian' in modern usage; historically used in mid-20th century activism and academic contexts
Examples
- The homophiles movement of the 1950s and 1960s advocated for legal rights and social acceptance.
- Early homophile organizations worked quietly to challenge discriminatory laws.
- The term 'homophile' was preferred by some activists before 'gay' became the standard terminology.
- Homophiles faced significant legal persecution in many countries during the mid-20th century.
- Historical records document the contributions of homophiles to the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement.