CNN's and TheBlaze's Will Cain is officially allowed to use the phrase "the gays" when talking about gay people.
In an email exchange (published as a CNN.com column) between Cain and CNN analyst John Stutter, they debate whether 2013 is "year of the gay"...
Will Cain: "Year of the Gay"? Can you say that? Can I say that? What are the parameters here? I'm genuinely curious ... is "gay" as a noun offensive? For example: "The gays are interested in today's Supreme Court case." Or is it the "the" that makes it feel like a sword of political incorrectness cutting through the conversation? I need help here John. ...Sutter: On the "the gays" thing: You can use it anytime. You have the blessing of the gays. (At least one...)