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Queer?

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By *edangel_2013 OP   Woman
over a year ago

southend

I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I'm more quirky than queer.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's derogatory to people who are not heterosexual

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"It's derogatory to people who are not heterosexual "

But what if they choose to use the word to describe themselves?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't mind being queer

Betty

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"I don't mind being queer

Betty"

But how do you feel about others defining you as such? I guess with anything it comes down to the context it used in.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone.

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By *edangel_2013 OP   Woman
over a year ago

southend


"I don't mind being queer

Betty

But how do you feel about others defining you as such? I guess with anything it comes down to the context it used in. "


" I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone. "

This is the main part of the debate. Many of our older members relate to 'queer'. That is how they identify. But they also remember a time when 'queer' was an insult. 1 story told by an older Gay man who self identifies as queer, his memory of being kicked on the ground by a gang of men calling him queer.

I think it essentially boils down to the meaning behind the word.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I think people should be allowed to identify as they wish.

It's difficult to know how anyone else identifies and there's a huge spectrum of possibilities so I don't see the problem with asking someone how they identify, when it's relevant. If someone gets it wrong, calmly tell them how you'd prefer to be addressed.

It's about respect and consideration.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All the militant homosexuals with made up genders on Twitter call themselves 'queer' in their bios.

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By *enard ArgenteMan
over a year ago

London and France

It's called reappropriation or reclamation of a word; a particular group " reclaiming" an offensive or derogatory word about them into a word that they " own".

There are numerous examples throughout history;

Of course, queer has been recently " reclaimed " by the gay community;

"N****r" has been reclaimed by elements of the black community; especially in the US; (it has a shock value )

"Scouse" was a very derogatory term; but most scousers are proud to self identify as scousers now;

As was Yankee; ( a derogatory work for lawless pirates) was used by the English in the American colonies for the rebels, and later by the confederate for the unionists in the American civil war; but was adopted by the "Yankees" as a badge of honour;

Even the impressionist art movement were called " impressionists"sarcastically by their opponents; and delightfully decided on the name for themselves .

So; if the gay community want to reclaim the word " queer", then fine.

Elements of the gay community will embrace that idea; other elements will dislike the term and its history, and not like it.

(Perhaps happy and joyful people can reclaim the word " gay "? - I am gay, but I am completely heterosexual.)

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By *uckOfTheBayMan
over a year ago

Mold

Sounds like the use of the N-word

A completely derogatory term unless it's used by someone of that community.

You can't describe us as that, but we can.

Why do people feel that they have to label themselves in some way ?

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By *isa 59Woman
over a year ago

Newcastle

I can't think of an occasion when I might feel the need to use it in ordinary conversation tbh but if a relative, friend or colleague wanted me to refer to them in such a way then I would.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

GQ for Gender Queer is an option for gender on a well known fet site. Plenty seem to identify that way.

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By *inkywife1981Couple
over a year ago

A town near you

Perhaps some people take them selves to serious. I have a close family member who is openly guy and refers to himself as being bent and queer but hates the term homesexual and when we are out he will look at guys and say definitely a fag that one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I guess it's the context when it's used , whether the person saying it about another is meant as an offensive word or not .

When I was at school , it was definitely an offensive term . Now not so much it seems .

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By *etter the devil you knowWoman
over a year ago

Lyndhurst


"Perhaps some people take them selves to serious. I have a close family member who is openly guy and refers to himself as being bent and queer but hates the term homesexual and when we are out he will look at guys and say definitely a fag that one."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Like the word "cunt" being discussed in another current thread, "queer" is a word which some will find offensive and others totally acceptable.

I have never understood the need for labels, we are all people and we all have our own sexuality .... I do not feel the need to blatantly advertise the fact that I am heterosexual but each to their own.

As long as a word is used in a way that does not offend either the user or the recipient it is "just a word".

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The online dictionary for slang words offers 51 alternative ways to say Gay many of which are invoke terms of endearment and tolerance so why the fuck would anyone choose to adopt the word queer which can be used with derogatory connotation when there are so many other words that imply affection and acceptance..

So bollix to the word queer and anyone who uses it...

In your face....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's just a word, it dosent bother me personally but I can understand why others would dislike it, it's a label, the problem with labels is most (including myself) don't like to be put in boxes but we as a population need common words to communicate between ourselves and explain our wants, needs and desires better, it's a tough one because until a word is mentioned you can't know if the other person will find it offensive simply because we each have our own views and rightly so

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By *al2001Man
over a year ago

kildare

As was said it depends on how it was used and by whom

I can fully understand some members wanting to reapropreate the word to something inoffensive. Prob like how it was meant originally back in the last century.

Take it back and be proud of it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Having an "identity" immediately makes us different. We're just men and women. Not some political soap box.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Also, just to throw a spanner in the works, to me the word 'queer' means odd, if someone callled me queer I'd assume they were calling me weird (something that happens daily) and wouldn't think they were talking about my sexuality, maybe that's just me tho

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By *al2001Man
over a year ago

kildare


" Having an "identity" immediately makes us different. We're just men and women. Not some political soap box. "

Everyone has an identity

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By *hloe sussexTV/TS
over a year ago

Larne


"I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?"

Dont like it ,queer in its old form meant strange or weird ,which I don't think ppl of different are that xx

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By *ommenhimCouple
over a year ago

wigan


"I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?"

Will there be a memo sent round so we know?

When the decisions made will those who currently identify as queer then be offended?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's like calling a black person the n word it's bad to use it but it's ok for a Blackman to call another Blackman the n word it's an identity thing

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

it's a personal thing I suppose...turning a society based insult into something positive...

I personally will never allow anyone regardless of their race to call me nigger...'brother' is acceptable..only because I see myself as male..nothing else.

In my opinion, people who accept such descriptions of themselves should really hark back to when they might have been struggling with acceptance...it might sound cool in your later life to be called such things...but many young people are struggling with life(sexuality,race),that words like these do not make them stronger while they progress into the later stages of life.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Calling something Queer is hardly complimentary ....

Its stupid debate when there are so many issues of genuine importance for the LGBT community .... ...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"All the militant homosexuals with made up genders on Twitter call themselves 'queer' in their bios. "

What the fuck is a made up gender ?

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By *ynecplCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

Who cares, it is the context that a word is used in that defines it not the word itself. Why not discuss things that actually matter and will make a difference to the LBGT community rather than what shall we call ourselves.

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By *lairesurreyfunTV/TS
over a year ago

Weybridge

I think it's all down to how it's said tbh , majority of the time I'd say it's used derogatory and to insult but if someone wants to identify as queer then that's ok . I get the same thing with 'Tranny '

If someone shouts at me then it's normally meant as an insult

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"it's a personal thing I suppose...turning a society based insult into something positive...

I personally will never allow anyone regardless of their race to call me nigger...'brother' is acceptable..only because I see myself as male..nothing else.

In my opinion, people who accept such descriptions of themselves should really hark back to when they might have been struggling with acceptance...it might sound cool in your later life to be called such things...but many young people are struggling with life(sexuality,race),that words like these do not make them stronger while they progress into the later stages of life."
exactly I can never get my head round why you would call another by the derogatory name u wouldn't take from others ie the post above I posted it just buggers believe that a group of people don't like being called a name from other groups but will use it in thee own group when talking

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had a lovely date once, we went to niteclub...she mistook a bouncer for another guy...yes he was 6'7 black bouncer...he said to her it wasnt him and "must be some other nigger", very seriously ffs...I sensed her offence...and with bravado told him to get a fucking grip and that she only asked a question, and for that we'd go somewhere else...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"All the militant homosexuals with made up genders on Twitter call themselves 'queer' in their bios.

What the fuck is a made up gender ?"

I can't remember an example of one, as I've always assumed they were suffering from high functioning autism and moved on pretty swiftly. Some of the identify as wolves, unicorns, etc and state it as their gender. Can't remember the specific terms used. 'Biowolfkin' and 'Catthropoid' might be two. Along those lines anyway, these people nearly always have 'queer' or 'gender queer' in there as well.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't mind being queer

Betty

But how do you feel about others defining you as such? I guess with anything it comes down to the context it used in.

I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone.

This is the main part of the debate. Many of our older members relate to 'queer'. That is how they identify. But they also remember a time when 'queer' was an insult. 1 story told by an older Gay man who self identifies as queer, his memory of being kicked on the ground by a gang of men calling him queer.

I think it essentially boils down to the meaning behind the word."

Negative reinforcement?

I am not sure why anyone would want to choose that term to describe themselves after such a terrible ordeal.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?"

Llandudno?

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury

Been called worse

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"I don't mind being queer

Betty

But how do you feel about others defining you as such? I guess with anything it comes down to the context it used in.

I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone.

This is the main part of the debate. Many of our older members relate to 'queer'. That is how they identify. But they also remember a time when 'queer' was an insult. 1 story told by an older Gay man who self identifies as queer, his memory of being kicked on the ground by a gang of men calling him queer.

I think it essentially boils down to the meaning behind the word.

Negative reinforcement?

I am not sure why anyone would want to choose that term to describe themselves after such a terrible ordeal. "

Reclaiming it?

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Been called worse"

I've called you worse

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury


"Been called worse

I've called you worse "

Hit me

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Been called worse

I've called you worse

Hit me "

I've used all my best ones on someone else today. Try me tomorrow

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury


"Been called worse

I've called you worse

Hit me

I've used all my best ones on someone else today. Try me tomorrow "

Pfft

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"Been called worse

I've called you worse

Hit me

I've used all my best ones on someone else today. Try me tomorrow

Pfft"

Don't blame me if there are more deserving causes out there. You'll just have to up your game

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London


"I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone."

This!!!

Unfortunately, this is what some people don't get. They know full well some words are derogatory, the fact some choose to "own" it doesn't mean it's an open invitation for others to use.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Also, just to throw a spanner in the works, to me the word 'queer' means odd, if someone callled me queer I'd assume they were calling me weird (something that happens daily) and wouldn't think they were talking about my sexuality, maybe that's just me tho "

Well said, you've beaten me to it, that's exactly what I have used the word to mean throughout my life.

Didn't it originally become common usage from the phrase "been in queer street" which was where the bankruptcy lawyers had their offices. So, if you was in financial trouble that's where you went?

Think all this reclaiming words is bogus because most of those called words had nothing to do with insults, gay for example.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone.

This!!!

Unfortunately, this is what some people don't get. They know full well some words are derogatory, the fact some choose to "own" it doesn't mean it's an open invitation for others to use.a and there lies the crux of the problem society doesnt always behave in the way it should

"

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Queer" in this area traditionally means ill. As in "I'm feeling right queer, I am. I'll have to go to the doctor".

Apropos of nothing. Just saying.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 19/11/16 13:28:26]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said....

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said.... "

Sox, you're queer.

(couldn't resist, sorry)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Nowt as queer as folk.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said.... "

hahha soxy, I dunno if it was a authentic video..but there was one where a black guy was shouting at a tv/ts in public, the TV(lest say), was shouting ladylike to please stop etc etc...then the guy got close n threatening..

wig off..GRUFF voice barrage of shouting and words like "OI WILL DESTROI YA!"..

who do you think ran away?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said....

Sox, you're queer.

(couldn't resist, sorry) "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So what is the latest from the conference op as we seem to be getting a bit personal in the post what term have u all settled on

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By *entadreadMan
over a year ago

Essex

Like other areas of society, you are not going to get consensus on this. As within the gay community, you get those that refer to themselves as queer, and others think it is a negative term, and this is within the gay community its self. I think this should all be left to individuals... you cannot force anyone to change the way they refer to themselves, and they will always have justifiable reasons.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I often use the saying "nowt as queer as folk" I'm not using it as a derogatory term at all, it's a word I use to describe people. There is no logic sometimes how people are with you, their thoughts and actions, hence when I use the term queer.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said....

hahha soxy, I dunno if it was a authentic video..but there was one where a black guy was shouting at a tv/ts in public, the TV(lest say), was shouting ladylike to please stop etc etc...then the guy got close n threatening..

wig off..GRUFF voice barrage of shouting and words like "OI WILL DESTROI YA!"..

who do you think ran away? "

Did you see the CCTV footage in Wales of a lad laying into what he thought was a TV but turned out to be a cage fighter on a stag do?

It didn't end so well for him!

Well worth looking up and watching, oh, 5 or 10 times

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By *edangel_2013 OP   Woman
over a year ago

southend

We have settled on accepting 'queer' as a term. But to continue challenging those who use it in a derogatory term.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I often use the saying "nowt as queer as folk" I'm not using it as a derogatory term at all, it's a word I use to describe people. There is no logic sometimes how people are with you, their thoughts and actions, hence when I use the term queer."

I never use it when discussing gay people, that would be using it in an offensive way.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If some random called me queer it would end with their tears.....

Nuff said....

hahha soxy, I dunno if it was a authentic video..but there was one where a black guy was shouting at a tv/ts in public, the TV(lest say), was shouting ladylike to please stop etc etc...then the guy got close n threatening..

wig off..GRUFF voice barrage of shouting and words like "OI WILL DESTROI YA!"..

who do you think ran away? "

lol..... yes it often get over looked that beneath this demure mildly camp exterior beat the heart of 6ft tall built like a brick shithouse roughie toughie north sea tiger with a face resembling an angry bulldog licking shit of a thistle..

Queer indeed ....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"We have settled on accepting 'queer' as a term. But to continue challenging those who use it in a derogatory term. "

Challenge anyone who uses any term in a derogatory way, bullies shouldn't be tolerated

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"We have settled on accepting 'queer' as a term. But to continue challenging those who use it in a derogatory term. "

What real shame and how utterly dismissive too completely devalues the struggle of those members of the LGBT community who endured years of verbal abuse long before people sat on LGBT committees and debated what is acceptable ......

Shame....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Intent seems key here, but, of course, can be so hard to quantity.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't mind being queer

Betty"

Yep I dont mind being seen as queer and eccentric...I am!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

What you think someone who is bullied for being overweight hurts less than someone who is bullied for being gay?"

Uh oh, you've mentioned weight. Thin ice one here. You'll have the Fat Woman's Alliance chasing you in to every thread you post in now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

For me it's defo "how" it's said. But also it's "who" it's said too. I think if a homosexual is comfortable with who they are n happy in their own skin then they are less likley to be offended if someone sayes they are queer. Also it prob comes down to how they are accepted in their family and pergrpups.xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

What you think someone who is bullied for being overweight hurts less than someone who is bullied for being gay?

Uh oh, you've mentioned weight. Thin ice one here. You'll have the Fat Woman's Alliance chasing you in to every thread you post in now. "

Dude can you drop the wooden spoon please

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't think any word really full describes Lesbian, homo or Bi-sexuality except those 3 accepted descriptions. Surely any other way to describe can cause offence so perhaps shouldn't be used in open conversation. I certainly wouldn't describe someone as queer. It's a very pre 60s way of describing an effeminate homosexual man isn't it ?.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's derogatory to people who are not heterosexual "

I totally agree

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 19/11/16 14:15:15]

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's a word that's been reclaimed, to regain the power from it, that abusers used to have, when they used it to insult and put people down.

I'm OK with people describing themselves as they wish as well as inviting others to use the same terms. I wouldn't use a term that's previously been an insult to describe someone though, unless I'd been invited to.

We're still fairly close in time to a period when gay people were viewed almost as sub-human. It was the norm for them to be abused and denied the basics freedoms that the majority enjoyed and took for granted. There are still people around who don't accept equality for all, when it includes people of their chosen hate group. As such, it's prudent not to help condone hate for others imo, through the use of hate speech.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Times change until recently it was a criminal offence for a man to have sex with another man but not for woman to have sex with woman but as times change so should society but that is easier said than done

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There is always this stigma about words nowadays words are just words we all say things we don't mean or where going to do or we don't,

I believe it's actions people should focus on that's how you truley determine what a person really means

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's a word that's been reclaimed, to regain the power from it, that abusers used to have, when they used it to insult and put people down.

I'm OK with people describing themselves as they wish as well as inviting others to use the same terms. I wouldn't use a term that's previously been an insult to describe someone though, unless I'd been invited to.

We're still fairly close in time to a period when gay people were viewed almost as sub-human. It was the norm for them to be abused and denied the basics freedoms that the majority enjoyed and took for granted. There are still people around who don't accept equality for all, when it includes people of their chosen hate group. As such, it's prudent not to help condone hate for others imo, through the use of hate speech."

Counting the days until Trump makes homosexuality a crime..............

Hate speech is fine in America. Any kind of hate is ok in fact, Trump says so.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is always this stigma about words nowadays words are just words we all say things we don't mean or where going to do or we don't,

I believe it's actions people should focus on that's how you truley determine what a person really means "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'll also add to this that our unions were founded to protect the working rights and conditions of GB,s working class, but it's nice to know that with the majority of the population earning wages that in no way could support a family and the gap between rich and poor at an all time high that the union's are spending that sub money wisely and tackling the real big issues that effect so many people

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

There's nowt as queer as folk....

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is always this stigma about words nowadays words are just words we all say things we don't mean or where going to do or we don't,

I believe it's actions people should focus on that's how you truley determine what a person really means

"

If I say, "1 billion people are all terroist scum"..it is just words..the pen is mightier than the sword(they say)...so to anyone that reads they might think it is true/or agree...then we have actions...

will much of that be positive?

In my opinion the wars of the past, before (in your face)media was prevalent , it was about conquer,resources etc...now it is guided in a way to make us think the other side is 'evil'....when in fact it is just about the same thing.

So words...have a place...and with social media,tabloids etc...a greater negativity of the people in the middle of such things either makes us think they deserve it or they were out to get us anyway.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There's nowt as queer as folk....

Cal"
true but would u call for quest if they were lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think people should use whatever words they like to describe themselves, but be cautious when referring to other people as some terms have a derogatory double meaning.

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By *iSTARessWoman
over a year ago

London

It's fascinating how folks who live a hetronorm (majority) lifestyle like to get stroppy about how others (minority) choose to define themselves. Really fascinating.

I'm proud to be queer. Spent the last two nights hosting events for a queer film festival and just had lunch with a bunch of queers. We do so love being told we must define ourselves.

For me queer means other. Other, different from the majority. Whether that be your sexuality, gender or lifestyle. It's a neat umbrella term for LGBTQIA (look it up) that has been reclaimed positively.

If you want to use it, cool. If not, cool. If used negatively, it's like any word. Not cool.

Simple.

Now I'm about to go watch a queer film about queer people in India. Queer!

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?"

I think it has something to do with toothpaste for some reason

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'm at a Unison LGBT conference. We are currently discussing using the word 'queer'.

We are pretty divided to be honest. Some believe it is a derogatory word and we should not use it. Some believe queer describes them and taking that word away is taking away their identity.

So over to you guys, what do you think?

I think it has something to do with toothpaste for some reason "

That's unilever!

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By *usan38Woman
over a year ago

Newcastle


"We have settled on accepting 'queer' as a term. But to continue challenging those who use it in a derogatory term. "

Interesting debate, and one I enjoyed very much listening to today.

And a good result .

x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I feel labels is a way for humans to understand more by categorising things. I tend not to take things personally as we are all individuals with different views and different levels of openness and understanding

Betty

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a disabled friend who will often describe himself as a "spaz"....a word I detest but he seems fine with it. However if I heard anyone else describing him thus I would swing for them!

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By *unandbuckCouple
over a year ago

Sheffield

Ive not read this right through sorry.

I know lots of gay people refer to themselves as queer sometimes.

However , for non-gay people to use the term I'd take as derogatory.

Feels same a 'N' word to me in context of black people.

Both very derogatory outside of the particular group IMO.

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By *litheroevoyeurMan
over a year ago

Clitheroe


"I would not use the word queer, its just not a word that belongs in my vocabulary, but if someone wants to use qeer as a word too dicribe themselves, then its up to them, I wouldn't expect someone to call me nigger, even if its acceptable among some of my black friends, some words are not for the use of everyone."

All words are for use by everyone, no one has an exclusive right to a particular vocabulary. It is the manner in which the words can be used that can cause offence.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I feel labels is a way for humans to understand more by categorising things. I tend not to take things personally as we are all individuals with different views and different levels of openness and understanding

Betty"

This makes sense

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