True story: I was subbing in a 3rd grade class. We were finding words that rhymed with may. One of the boys said “gay” and the class irrupted into what sounded like a Beavis and Butthead cartoon. I told them that the word ‘gay’ means happy, joyful. They were shocked. No one told them the word had a different meaning.
Later, I wrote the word ‘homophone’, separated homo from phone and explained that homo means same. Not one reaction from the kids. They don’t know the word ‘homo’ and don’t seem to be able to make the connection.
Where I’m from, the word ‘gay’ in and of itself was an insult.
I used to tutor and one of the readers contained all of the “may, say, gay” words. They always chuckled and I always told them the meaning of the word “gay”.
I never use the word gay when referring to homosexuals. I call them homosexuals, because that’s what they are.