Excellent topic. The word "gay" is already subject to context; the original meaning sees more (ironic?) usage these days, which can be hilarious if played properly.

My younger cousins, and even my brother, tend to drop it in conversation all over Facebook and IRL. Originally they would apologise upon realising I was in earshot (or eyeshot), but we're past that now - I explained to them that I knew they didn't intend it as a slight against me personally... and at the risk of losing my Pink Card, I've been known to use the word m'self. Gotta talk like the kids if you want them to hear you.

My theory is this: the primary definition of the word has changed before and I'm happy to help it change again by aiding its transition to a new meaning, even if the origin of the term, in some context, could be considered offensive.

The only other option I could think of was to "reclaim" the word, but I don't belief there should even be a word for "homosexual" , let alone one as easy to pronounce as "gay". It's so much harder to hate someone who is "different" if you don't have the word, or the concept, to describe the perceived "difference"... and since, ideally, there should be no difference between hetero- and homosexuals, why should there be a word for it?

A touch of the George Orwell there, but hey, whatever works.

Once I'm done with "gay", I'll focus more on "fag"... as in cigarette. Of course. (And after that is "faggot"... bound to be a interesting challenge. English meatballs? Kindling?)

Just my $0.02.

I agree

I think it's a good policy. And I always tell people what I think when I hear them using gay as an insult.

This picture isn't challenging the use of gay as negative descriptor, this is accepting and reinforcing the colloquial usage of the word . I'm quite dissapointed you've decided to put this pic up. It goes entirely against the "Think before you speak" message as well.

i don't like this one.
someone i love very much has ended up in tears at work because of the young people she works with using the word gay when they really mean lame or bad.
she's thinking of quitting her job (not only for this reason - but it can't help).
there are plenty of mean words we don't use (i won't say them here) because they're hurtful.
i don't just go around saying those words and then excusing them with "i didn't mean it like THAT".
please - don't post anymore images like this one - we're going backwards here!

my friends and i have cheekily respelt gay as 'ghey' in this context - disassociating the word from its original negative connotations, not taking ourselves too seriously, and turning the word on its head.

A friend of mine used the "homophobia is gay" slogan for her pic. Her use of it was specifically designed to highlight the stupidity of using "gay" as a derogatory term, and in the context of this campaign she assumed that it would only highlight that it does target and insult a real group of people.
While I understand the point being made in excluding them, I think you could give viewers more credit. Surely they can recognise the use of sarcasm here?

I can understand the feelings and views of those who find the word offensive. But its current meaning of homosexual is not its first meaning, and nor will it be its last. Words, meanings and languages change. I use it (though meaning more silly or unusual than sucky), and intent is important in language.

The argument that if kids use the word gay for bad things then they'll see being gay as a bad thing is flawed. Who thinks of the animal when I say "right to bear arms"? No-one. And with support for the queer community rising across all ages, but in particular the younger generations, I don't think it is a true concern.

Has the recent furore over Stephanie Rice changed anyone's position on the topic?

Looks like the homophobes are reclaiming 'gay'. How ironic!.