Whilst traditionally the word 'Gay' means 'carefree and uninhibited', it became associated with 'happy' - ie 'Happy and gay'. My understanding (I may be off the mark here though) is that historically speaking, the creative world - art, music, dance, design, was one of the few forums within which self-expression without prejudice or censorship from peers was available. Alot of males and females were able to move freely as who they really were within this forum and 'world' and were accepted as eccentric or flamboyant. Being flamboyant did, stereotypically, involve bright colours, almost a sense of over-expression, and this was a welcome option in a time that was oppressive by nature and rule from the governments and churches of the day. Soon, the term, 'gay' became associated with homosexuals who were 'out there' but not in such an obvious way. I think that considering the original meaning of gay - free and uninhibited, it's a term that's been embraced by the homosexual community. It's a term that I embrace (whilst not being gay myself) as I'm supportive of being free and uninhibited because as far as I see things we still live in a too-often censored world where negativity is more easily accepted than positivity.