A designation for a gay or lesbian partner, often found in the obituaries of newspapers in the deep South. "Partner" is too much like "spouse" and so newspapers in the south print obits often using this term.
Survivors include his mother, Wanda Jenkins, his sister, Dianne Masters, and his Special Friend James McElroot.
The best friend of any girlfriend/wife...or any girl for that matter. The one friend who, without question, is always excited to see their girl. The special friend stands straight up, waiting to greet her, and share in her embrace.