Still, the use of such terms is a backhanded acquiescence to the Lavender Mafia.
The language is being muddied simply for political reasons.
Actually no.
Use of such language takes a flamethrower to the lavender mafia, and follows that up with a crate of thermite grenades. For centuries the notion was advanced successfully that sodomy against a boy was a less serious matter than rape of a young girl. People aren't buying that anymore.
Homosexuals may have one tolerance in public, but their violence doesn't get glossed over like it once did. And this linguistic shift is evidence of that.