How to say your gay in sign language

Before we dive in, just a few notes about American Sign Language (ASL):

• ASL is a full language, just enjoy Spanish or English. It has its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, etc.
• Sign language is not universal. Just like spoken language, there are sign languages unique to individual countries and within those languages there are regional accents.
• Signs, like spoken words, change over time. This is particularly factual of LGBTQ+ signs—as our comprehending of these identities develop, so do our signs.
• Not all signs are iconic but the ones I am going to talk about are.

My ASL & Deaf studies classes helped me grow a strong foundation for knowledge ASL. However, introductory classes can only go so far in teaching real-world vocabulary. While my professors may believe that it is crucial to teach the sign for “onion” so I can feed myself, I uncover it more important to absorb the sign for “gay” so that I can ask a random Deaf stranger wandering the streets “hey, I’m lost, where’s the gay parade?” I would choose a parade over onion rings any day.

The only place that I felt I could appropriately learn these terms was by socializing with my Diverse