Lesbians have suffered their fair share of abusive terms... friccatrices and tribades for instance. Dyke has been taken back by some. Some lesbians still use gay just the same way as men do.

Homss I only know as an abusive term and it is used pejoratively.

Why use the terms at all, except in strictest need? We don't go around calling straight people 'hets' all the time. There is far more to most people than their sexuality. Why should it matter unless you have an interest in that person?

mp