In the English speaking world and more specifically the US lifestyle was and still is used in a demeaning way. It still means the same as what you described however being attracted to the same gender as you is not a choice and describing being gay as a choice is just inaccurate.

Most people understand that hating on a person for something they cannot change is stupid, however homophobes get around this by calling queer peoples existence a lifestyle and then think they can justify their hatred through that.

[–] qyron@lemmy.pt 1 points 1 year ago

I really don't know what kind of answer I am expected to give, following yours.

Perhaps, I don't care how americans think and how they treat individuals with different views in life is reasonable?

The fiation with fitting (forcing) individuals into labels, then attached to groups, to isolate people is hideous.

I do not care about the sexual orientation (or lack thereof) of an individual in order to engage with that person on a personal, social or professional setting.

I am dealing with a human being with the exact same aspirations I have and, as such, that person is worthy of respect by default.

If a single word is viewed as a taunt or whatever it may be by default, even if the person using it explains the reason for it, that alone states that any atempt of dialogue in stunted at the bud.