ex-gay
UK[ˌeks ˈɡeɪ]US[ˌeks ˈɡeɪ]
adj
Describing a person who formerly identified as gay or homosexual, especially one who claims to have changed their sexual orientation through therapy or religious conversion.
n
A person who identifies as ex-gay.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
gay
ex
out of, former
gay
homosexual
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the late 20th century within specific socio-religious contexts. The prefix 'ex-', from Latin, carries its common English sense of "former" or "out of a previous state." It is attached to the word 'gay', which by the mid-20th century had become the standard term for homosexual. The compound literally constructs the meaning "formerly gay." Its formation follows a straightforward English pattern similar to 'ex-president' or 'ex-smoker', applying it to a state of sexual identity. The term is controversial and is not recognized by major medical or psychological associations as describing a genuine change in sexual orientation.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out of, former) + gay (homosexual)
- ex: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "out of, from, thoroughly, former."
- gay: An adjective of English origin (from Old French 'gai'), in modern usage primarily meaning "homosexual."
Examples
He became a prominent speaker for an ex-gay ministry.
The documentary explored the experiences of people in the ex-gay movement.
Many health organizations warn that ex-gay therapy can be harmful.