What is a "friend of Dorothy"?

Q: What is a "friend of Dorothy"?


A: In gay slang, a "friend of Dorothy" is a term for a gay man.

Q: Where does the phrase "friend of Dorothy" originate from?


A: The phrase "friend of Dorothy" dates back to at least World War II.

Q: Why was the phrase "friend of Dorothy" used during World War II?


A: Homosexual acts were illegal in the United States during World War II, and the phrase "friend of Dorothy" was a euphemism used for discussing sexual orientation without others knowing its meaning.

Q: What does the abbreviation FOD stand for in relation to "friend of Dorothy"?


A: FOD is an abbreviation for "friend of Dorothy."

Q: Who would have likely used the phrase "friend of Dorothy" during World War II?


A: It is likely that gay men would have used the phrase "friend of Dorothy" to discuss their sexual orientation.

Q: Is the phrase "friend of Dorothy" still in use today?


A: Yes, the phrase "friend of Dorothy" is still in use today as a term for a gay man.

Q: What is the significance of using euphemisms such as "friend of Dorothy"?


A: Euphemisms such as "friend of Dorothy" were used in the past as a way for the LGBTQ+ community to discuss their sexual orientation without fear of persecution, discrimination, or violence.

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