Thus, having had sexual intercourse with someone of the same gender does not make anyone gay by definition. 'Gay' as an identity is defined by the attraction and self-identification as such rather than having had any sexual experience with people of the same gender. In a broader sense of the word, gay can also be used as an umbrella term to identify any LGBTQIA+ individual, though some note that doing so excludes other sexual orientations and gender identities and should thus be avoided. Queer and bisexual are also among the terms used for those who are attracted to members of the same gender.
This is most commonly associated with men, as a gay woman may prefer to use the term ' lesbian' instead. Gay is an adjective referring to those with an enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same gender.
