I actually prefer to use gay, but I've been told that's a more offensive word to use.

Homosexual has never been seen as offensive to me. Good read though.

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Same. Can't explain why, but it annoys me when people use 'homos'.

It isn't offensive, but it does sound a bit dated: "a homosexual"

no, it means sexually attracted to the same sex, which y'all are, so?.....

I agree.

"Homosexual" sounds too clinical. And I've heard its shortened version of "homos" used as a pejorative too many times.

"Gay" is the best variation.