“there have always been, they just have been under the radar”
There is some confusion between homosexual, gay and transgender. Here is what I have gleaned from a lifetime of observation. A homosexual is somebody sexually attracted to the same sex. A gay is somebody who has made a “lifestyle choice” and could be either. Gays, by my observation are exclusively communist/socialists. Transgenders are people who get turned on by pretending to actually be the opposite sex.
The difference between a homosexual and a gay is; you can be a conservative homosexual, but you can not be a conservative gay. They are politically different. (Not to say you can’t have a homosexual communist.)
The problem of transgenders and the reason their suicide rate is so high is, they believe that if they “transition” (mutilate) themselves into being the opposite sex, that the men/women they are attracted to will be attracted to them. But real men and real women want only real women and real men to mate with. Something that kind-of looks like the real thing simply won’t do. It has to actually be the real thing. And, there are enough to go around that substitutions aren’t necessary. Real men and real women, I think, are appalled by transsexuals. I read a recent article by a transsexual saying, essentially, “hey, nobody wants to date us!” The author seemed lost as to why this was so.
Nothing.
Homosexuals rebranded themselves as 'gay' decades ago, due to their deep seated shame. The term, 'homosexual', was just too accurate and truthful for them to live with, so they just relabled themselves.
"Presto change-o! No more shame! Now we can have Pride!"
It's similar to their adoption of the word, 'partner', to describe their significant others. They were ashamed to call their lovers, 'boyfriend'.