Gay, queer, and the dictionary

When writing, the author does not dare use the word "gay" or the word "queer"in any context except reference to homosexuality. To say, "We had a gay time at the party," or, "That house gives me the creeps -- it makes me feel queer all over," just cannot be done without the reader being distracted from what you want to say onto the idea of homosexuals being around.

In short, the old meanings have been destroyed by the new ones, even though we still find the old ones listed first in the dictionary.