[a fool in paradise]

He brings his partner to family dinners but has never actually said to his conservative sister that he’s gay.

His sex partner?

His business partner?

Salon has to use euphemisms because what they are selling STILL doesn't fly with conventional society.

[IronJack]

His butt partner. His schlong partner. His limp-wrist, light-loafer, pud-gumming, colon-spelunking partner.