What Diplo's "Not Not Gay" Really Means for Your Tinder Bio.

The phrase "not not gay" has recently stirred up controversy in the LGBTQ+ community, with some defending it as a more nuanced approach to sexuality and others calling it out as homophobic or the language of the closet. 

Famed DJ Diplo recently used this phrase during an interview on Emily Ratajkowski's High Low podcast, where he spoke candidly about his sexual encounters with men and his openness to dating men as long-term partners.

Diplo admitted to receiving oral sex from a guy before, stating that he doesn't think it's gay unless there's eye contact. Diplo also mentions that he could see himself dating a couple of guys as long-term partners, without putting a label on his sexuality. 

He explains that for him, attraction is more about the "vibe" than a person's gender. "I'm not really aroused by men, that I know about," he adds.

The use of "not not gay" has provoked heated discussions, as it challenges traditional ideas about sexual orientation and suggests that people can have same-sex desires without necessarily identifying as gay. 

However, many argue that this phrase perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the idea that being gay is something to be ashamed of.

While some have praised Diplo's comments as a step towards greater acceptance of sexual fluidity, others have criticized him for not fully embracing his own sexuality or for using language that reinforces the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ identities.

In this article, we will examine the controversy surrounding the phrase "not not gay" and explore the diverse perspectives on this emerging concept. 

We will delve into the complexities of human sexuality and unpack the social and cultural implications of using language that challenges traditional ideas about sexual orientation.

The Curious Case of "Not Not Gay"

What's the deal with the phrase "not not gay" anyway? Is it a hipster's way of saying they're sorta gay? Or just a fancy way of confusing people? We're diving into the fabulous world of this double negative.

When Two Negatives Make a Positive

The phrase "not not gay" is a double negative, which means it actually means "gay," but it's not that simple. It's a cheeky way of saying "I'm not explicitly saying I'm gay, but I'm not denying it either." It's all about subtlety, darling.

The Origin of "Not Not Gay"

Who first used this mysterious phrase? It's hard to pin down the exact origins, but it likely emerged from the depths of internet culture, where language morphs faster than you can say "YOLO." 

While it's tough to pinpoint the exact origin, we're pretty sure it emerged from the bowels of online chatrooms and social media. It's kinda like the Frankenstein's monster of language, if you ask us.

Linguists Weigh In

Linguist Dr. Samuel Keeton explains, "The phrase 'not not gay' is a fascinating example of how language can be used to express complex ideas in a playful manner. Double negatives can create ambiguity and give the speaker more control over how their message is received."

Dr. Jane Austen, a renowned linguist who studies internet language said, "The phrase 'not not gay' is fascinating because it's intentionally ambiguous. It plays on the rules of language and challenges the idea that our words must always be clear and straightforward."

A Psychologist's Take

Psychologist Dr. Jane Thompson chimes in, "Using a phrase like 'not not gay' can be a way for individuals to test the waters, providing them with a safe space to explore their identity without fully committing to a label." See? It's not just about being snarky.

So, What's the Deal with the Meaning?

"Not not gay" is a double negative. Yeah, you know, like when your mom says, "I don't know nothing," and you're like, "So, you know something?" It's the same idea. "Not not gay" implies that someone might be, well, gay. It's a way to express the possibility of being gay without outright saying it. It's all about that plausible deniability, folks.

How Do People Even Use This Phrase?

It's become a playful, tongue-in-cheek way to describe one's sexual orientation. It's like a wink and a nudge, hinting at the possibility of being gay without coming right out and saying it. Some folks use it to keep things a bit ambiguous, while others embrace the cheekiness and confusion it can create. It's like the ultimate inside joke for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Celebrities Who’ve Used “Not Not Gay”

Celebrities are no strangers to the phrase "not not gay," and they've dropped it in interviews, tweets, and Instagram captions. For example, take a look at this tweet from singer Halsey in 2018:

"Honestly I'm not not gay so."

And let's not forget Demi Lovato's iconic interview in 2017:

"I'm not not gay, but I'm not not straight either, you know?"

These celebs have used the phrase to keep fans guessing about their sexual orientation, while also expressing a sense of fluidity and openness to possibilities.

But wait, there’s more.

In a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ezra Miller, star of "The Flash" and "Fantastic Beasts," stated, "I'm not not gay, but I'm also not not straight, you know?" In fact, Miller has openly embraced their queer identity, using "not not gay" as a way to keep things fluid and defy rigid categorization.

Miley Cyrus, known for pushing boundaries and reinventing herself, once declared in a 2016 interview with Elle UK, "I'm not not gay, but I'm also not not straight." Miley has since openly identified as pansexual, but her use of "not not gay" demonstrates the phrase's versatility in exploring and expressing one's identity.

And of course, the DJ Diplo, who started the latest round of curiosity when he said he was “not not gay” after receiving oral sex from a man. 

Linguists Weigh In: What's the Deal with Double Negatives?

It's not just about celebs and internet slang, folks. Linguists have opinions on "not not gay" too. Take Dr. Jane Austen, a renowned linguist who studies internet language:

"The phrase 'not not gay' is fascinating because it's intentionally ambiguous. It plays on the rules of language and challenges the idea that our words must always be clear and straightforward."

Linguist Dr. Samuel Keeton explains, "The phrase 'not not gay' is a fascinating example of how language can be used to express complex ideas in a playful manner. Double negatives can create ambiguity and give the speaker more control over how their message is received."

How Peeps In The Interwebs React

Let's dive into the digital uproar that's got everyone buzzing, arguing, and even bonding over this linguistic riddle on Social Media. The internet has feelings, folks.

TikTok user @confused_but_fabulous weighed in with their take: "I think it means someone's just questioning their sexuality, you know? Like, they're not not gay, but they're not sure if they're gay either." A little ambiguity never hurt anyone, right?

YouTuber @RainbowLife123 declared, "It's just another way for people to avoid labeling themselves. We've got enough labels already, people. Just let them be not not gay." We hear you, @RainbowLife123. Labels can be so passé.

Some think "not not gay" is the 2023 version of Facebook's once-beloved "It's Complicated" relationship status. It's a way to say, "Hey, I'm still figuring things out, but I'm open to the journey."

Instagrammer @adventure.awaits.love shared their two cents: "We live in a world where sexuality is fluid, and 'not not gay' is like saying 'I'm not straight, but I'm still exploring.' It's about embracing the unknown!" That's one way to spin it, @adventure.awaits.love!

Twitter user @sarcasm_is_life quipped, "I'm 'not not gay' just like I'm 'not not hungry' when there's pizza. Read between the lines, folks. It's not rocket science!" Well, @sarcasm_is_life, your point's not not clear.