how do you feel about people using the word “queer” in an lgbtqia+ context?

snarky-gourmet:

This is… a very heated topic. So, to any readers, before proceeding, please actually read my words for what they say, don’t misinterpret them, and do not put words in my mouth.

I don’t see an issue with it. I use it myself for many reasons, such as it’s great to use as a wide umbrella term and you easily avoid people making “LGBTABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ” jokes. Additionally, I personally see a sense of empowerment in taking something that has been used as a slur and wearing it as a label to be proud of. 

However, I do recognise that not everyone feels this way. Some people are uneasy with reclaiming the word, or still feel that it’s offensive. No one should be forced to use the word if they don’t want to. Likewise, it’s out of line for someone to force someone who is comfortable with calling themselves queer to stop using it. Just about every common label we use within the LGBTQ+ community was at one time used as a slur against us. I honestly doubt many people would demand that all those words be put to rest too, so I say just let people do as they wish with labels they have a right to and aren’t being actively weaponised.