Unpopular opinion: straight people using “partner” to refer to their SO actually helps normalize the term so that lgbt folx can use it without automatically outing themselves to strangers. It also helps other straight ppl get comfortable with the fact that strangers aren’t entitled to information about other people’s gender or sexuality.
Seriously, this is essential. I’ve been saying partner instead of specifying girlfriend, spouse, date or whatever for decades. Started back before “gay marriage,” a.k.a. “marriage” was legal and don’t see a huge reason to stop now.
