Legion said:
Offend? No.
Annoy? Yes.
I just associate it with the childish crap people used to do when kids, back when it was actually used to imply that you are gay, as if there is something wrong with it.
When I see/hear my friends use it, it just makes me feel that they haven't grown up.
I agree with this message. It doesnt offend me persay. But it annoys me. And if you use it excessively im going to take what you have to say less seriously.
Also the word "Gay" or "******" has changed meaning. However its used in two contexts. One is offensive and one isnt.
"Dude thats really gay" - New context, no relation to anything actually homosexual. Still childish.
"Dude you fucking suck noob are YOU gay/a ******" - Old context. Offensive slur.
Im straight as an arrow but in LoL when ever anyone uses the old context i always respond right back with a "Yeah i am gay. What of it?" It usually results in hilarious awkward conversations as the troll tries to offend me with the fact and fails. Like so:
Them: "Lol youre probably gay"
Me: "Yeah i am..."
Them: "Obviously lol"
Me: "Id hope so, wouldnt want the ladies hitting on me"
Them: ".... stfu"
This is an actual conversation, no lies, i had yesterday with another player. Some people take pride in being hatefull and use the word accordingly. Some people do not connect it with actual homosexuality at all. While at worst id call the language immature it isnt offensive to me.