Final answer:
The word 'homosexual' began to appear in the late 19th century as a way to describe someone's identity. It became more prominent by the turn of the 20th century, particularly in urbanized areas in the United States, though the term 'homophile' was preferred by activists in the mid-20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
When did the word homosexual first begin to appear as a way to describe someone's identity? The term homosexual was used predominantly to describe lesbian and gay individuals in the 19th century, particularly by the late 1800s. The use of the term homosexual can be traced back more prominently in the literature and social attitudes of that time. For instance, although it wasn't until the 20th century that the term gained visibility within the US, particularly in connection with the development of urban centers and increasing visibility of LGBTQ communities.
In the 1950s and 1960s, activists often preferred the term homophile over homosexual. This preference was part of the broader fight for equal rights, which was termed the homophile movement. During the 1950s and 1960s, terms like gay and LGBTQ were not commonly used in the same way they are today, and the term queer was considered derogatory.