there are many different words to describe homosexual people. some of these are used to insult homosexual people. however, the lgbt community sometimes uses these words to describe themselves because the word "homosexual" can sound too clinical. this is done to make the words less hurtful. some words to describe homosexual men are "gay" and "queer". words to describe homosexual women are "lesbian" and "dyke". "lesbian" is used most often. "dyke" is used less often and is sometimes used to describe lesbians who are more masculine (act or dress more like men). however, "queer" and "dyke" are sometimes used against gay people as insults, so they can sometimes be offensive.