What is "gaydar"

by 1996, in gay literature, from gay + radar.

n. The supposed ability to detect whether or not a person is gay by observing that person.

Gaydar (a portmanteau of gay and radar) is a colloquialism referring to the humorous claim of an intuitive ability of a person to assess others' sexual orientations as gay, bisexual or heterosexual. Gaydar relies almost exclusively on non-verbal clues and LGBT stereotypes. These include (but are not limited to) the sensitivity to social behaviors and mannerisms; for instance, acknowledging flamboyant body language, the tone of voice used by a person when speaking, overtly rejecting traditional gender roles, a person's occupation, and grooming habits.

The detection of sexual orientation by outward appearance or behavior is frequently challenged by situations in which masculine gay men who do not act in a stereotypically "gay" fashion, or with metrosexual men (regardless of sexuality) who exhibit a lifestyle, spending habits, and concern for personal appearance stereotypical of fashionable urban gay men.

Gaydar is a worldwide, profile-based dating website for gay and bisexual men, women and couples over the age of 18. Although many of the individual profiles are publicly accessible on the Internet, to gain more functionality and interact with other users, a registration is required and a guest profile must be created.

It was founded in 1999 in Cape Town, South Africa by London-based South Africans Gary Frisch and his partner Henry Badenhorst, after a friend complained that he was too busy to look for a new boyfriend. The initial idea was based upon a then current concept of a corporate intranet that was in development under the codename "RADAR" (Rapid Access And Deployment Resource) for a prominent South African Advertising Conglomerate by programmers Ian Van Schalkwyk and Stephen Hadden. The site was launched in November 1999.

Gaydar and similar sites are widely regarded as having had a major impact on gay communities in many parts of the world. Gaydar allows users to display and receive more detailed and intimate information in many personal areas than is possible in live venues. Some people speculate that internet dating sites may have played a part in shifting the emphasis from cruising grounds — both outdoors and in sex-on-premises venues — to the Internet. Gaydar is popular in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and to a lesser extent in North America and continental Europe.

In May 2007 Henry Badenhorst was named by the Independent on Sunday Pink List as the fourth most influential gay person in Britain, down from third place the previous year.

In May 2013, it was announced that the site had been sold to Charlie Parsons, the creator of Channel 4's Big Breakfast.

Gaydar is a 2002 short comedy film directed by Larry LaFond, written by LaFond and by Terry Ray and Larry Lafond. The film stars Terry Ray, Bryan Dattilo (from Days of Our Lives), Jennifer Echols, and Jim J. Bullock, and also features Charles Nelson Reilly in his last movie appearance.

Gaydar is the supposed ability to identify gay people.

Gaydar may also refer to:

• Gaydar (website), a gay dating website
• Gaydar (film), a 2002 comedy short film
• Gaydar Radio, a British radio station