Cnn recently wrote an article here:
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The evolution of 'queer'
Wednesday, November 5, 2003 Posted: 4:10 PM EST (2110 GMT)
James Cross describes himself as a "metrosexual" -- a straight man who is into designer clothes, art, fashion and shopping.
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Something queer is happening to the word "queer."
Originally a synonym for "odd" or "unusual," the word evolved into an anti-gay insult in the last century, only to be reclaimed by defiant gay and lesbian activists who chanted: "We're here, we're queer, get used to it."
Now "queer" is sneaking into the mainstream -- and taking on a hipster edge as a way to describe any sexual orientation beyond straight.
Jay Edwards, a 28-year-old gay man from Houston, has noticed it.
"Hey Jay," a straight co-worker recently said. "Have you met the new guy? He's really cute and queer, too. Just your type!"
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/11/05/offbeat.queer.evolution.ap/index.html
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As a gay person, I do not mind it when "straight" men and women have an interest in fashoin and other things. However, I hope they are not pigeonholing gay and lesbians as people who are only interested in fashion, interior design, and home economcis.
OK, I am not going to say that there are not a lot of gay men in Hollywood, fashion, and other related areas. I mean, it is understood that they are there or are on Broadway. Also, there are gays that have a lisp or high voice.
I mean, it is good for gay people. The possibility of having ugly slurs thrown at gays decreases as this becomes more mainstream.
However, I know gay men that are athletic themselves and are active in martial arts and also surf. This is only my main concern because I do not want them just to see gays as people who are only interested in fashion and other related fields.
So I guess what I am saying is that I hope that they don't think that gay men shop at Ambercrombie and Fitch (I don't) and have closets full of GAP clothing (I only have two things from GAP).
I mean, look at Chip and Reichen on the Amazing Race. Reichen graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Both were very athletic as well.
Maybe it's programs like that on TV that will debunk the supposed stereotype that gay men are just
les femmes .
I just wanted to bring this up because I think it warranted attention.