Queerty Query

Should We Be Policing The Use Of Language Within The LGBT Community?

25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

The most hotly-debated stories in the LGBT communities right now involve language. Specifically, it involves who has the right to say what.

Just a few weeks back, gay icon Harvey Fierstein caused a bit of controversy when he referred to fellow gay man Johnny Weir as a “faggot,” and of course who can escape from the RuPaul/Carmen Carrera/Bianca Del Rio/Lady Bunny/Everyone With An Opinion “tranny” debate that has been raging on recently.

Although we can probably all agree that we wouldn’t want anyone who isn’t in the LGBT community using those words, the intent definitely becomes less black and white when dealing with intra-group usage.

So, we pose the question to you, Queerty members: Should We Be Policing The Use Of Language Within The LGBT Community?

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