How queer

[The Seeker]

Just wondering what people's feelings on here were about the use of the word "queer".

Personally, I self-identify as queer, but on the other hand, some in the LGBT scene seem to find it offensive no matter what the context.

Poll coming in a sec.

 

[psychedelicist]

I dunno, I'm not gay so I don't really take offense, but it kinda seems like calling mexicans wetbacks, or white people crackers.

 

[Nymphalidae]

One of my girlfriends is queer, and identifies herself that way. So I don't have a problem with it.

 

[Spherical Time]

I don't identify that way, but I don't really have much of a problem with it either (anymore).

 

[BarbB]

I think if someone is odd then they are queer.

 

[skinner]

Just wondering what people's feelings on here were about the use of the word "queer".

Personally, I self-identify as queer, but on the other hand, some in the LGBT scene seem to find it offensive no matter what the context.

Poll coming in a sec.

I'm still trying to figure out what LGBT stands for.
I hope the B doesn't mean...oh nevermind.

 

[The Seeker]

I'm still trying to figure out what LGBT stands for.
I hope the B doesn't mean...oh nevermind.

Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender

Why, what did you think the B stood for?

 

[GreyWolf]

Hi Seeker.
I like to avoid offending people, so I never use 'queer.' Oddly enough, it's never really come up with my gay and lesbian friends. It's just never been an issue, the exact word to use. I generally just use the term gay, but to be honest, when I hang out with them, we dont' really talk about sexual orientation, we just enjoy eachother's company. If I haven't seen them in a while, I just ask how their partner's doing and that's that. We don't dwell on our differences. (yes I'm straight and kind of a Evangelical, but usually I don't have issues with my gay friends because for the most part, we respect eachother.)

 

[trunks2k]

I'm bisexual, I don't self-identify as queer, and I sometimes find the use of the word offensive - It depends on who said it and the context.

 

[Forever42]

Unfortunately I personally only ever heard it used as an insult, so it has that connotation to me. I don't like to use the word because of that, though I realize that many are personally comfortable identifying themselves as such.

 

[Abbadon]

I (a heterosexual) don't find it offensive, unless it's addressed at someone as an insult (much as I don't mind being called a cracker or white devil, as long as it's just a joke).

I do have a problem in that the older sense of the word (strange, odd) has been replaced by the homosexual meaning. It deprives me of one less word to describe myself, friends, or family.

 

[Eldy]

[size=+2]queer[/size] [size=-1][/size] [size=-1]ADJECTIVE:[/size]Inflected forms: queer·er, queer·est
1. Deviating from the expected or normal; strange: a queer situation. 2. Odd or unconventional, as in behavior; eccentric. See synonyms at strange. 3. Of a questionable nature or character; suspicious. 4. Slang Fake; counterfeit. 5. Feeling slightly ill; queasy.

Seems pretty much like it fits the lifestyle. Good word if you ask me.

 

[Nightson]

[size=+2]queer[/size] [size=-1]ADJECTIVE:[/size]Inflected forms: queer·er, queer·est
1. Deviating from the expected or normal; strange: a queer situation. 2. Odd or unconventional, as in behavior; eccentric. See synonyms at strange. 3. Of a questionable nature or character; suspicious. 4. Slang Fake; counterfeit. 5. Feeling slightly ill; queasy.

Seems pretty much like it fits the lifestyle. Good word if you ask me.

And a perfect example of when I think it's offensive......

 

[talitha]

I am straight and even though I hold the belief that the homosexuality is a sin, I still find the word "queer" to be offensive. I do not believe that anyone should be called stupid, inferior, queer, or any other name that assaults that person's identity. As I said, I believe that homosexuality is a sin - and as such it does not describe a person's essence, only his/her behavior and/or choice.

blessings in Christ
tal

 

[Seeking...]

I'm bi & self-identify as queer - but I fit the definition in more ways than one.

It has never been offensive to me, but I also call myself a Queer Black Chick instead of a Bisexual African-American Woman. I'm not PC in the slightest and enjoy the fact that the way I identify makes some others uncomfortable. The most important thing to me is that it is a truthful representation.

 

[peepnklown]

[size=+2]queer[/size] [size=-1]ADJECTIVE:[/size]Inflected forms: queer·er, queer·est
1. Deviating from the expected or normal; strange: a queer situation. 2. Odd or unconventional, as in behavior; eccentric. See synonyms at strange. 3. Of a questionable nature or character; suspicious. 4. Slang Fake; counterfeit. 5. Feeling slightly ill; queasy.

This definition can describe many more ‘lifestyles’ than a homosexual one.

 

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

It just seems offensive to me. It was always used in a derogatory way when referring to homosexuals when I was growing up so it seems like it would be an unkind way to address a homosexual. Even if I happen to disagree with their lifestyle, I still respect them as a fellow human, they are people just like me and deserve to be treated kindly.

 

[Maize]

It doesn't bother me, but it's not a term I usually use unless I'm talking about the Fab 5.

 

[Spinrad]

I refuse to give up any more derogatory or pejoritive terms.

 

[NothingButTheBlood]

Straight and it depends on the context. If you are using the word to not refer to homosexuals at all I definitly would not find it offensive. It's kind of like the "n" word. Homosexuals may use it among themselves but I am not going to use it. Better to avoid offending someone than to have to make up for it later.