DrTyore;414783 wroteThis feels like I started it..
For what it's worth Pimp - I think I met you once at Moose's, and had no problem with you at all! I personally said something about the "is it gay for a guy to wear this" bit because it's an outdated phrasing that does have homophobic underpinnings. I didn't think you yourself was homophobic (or at the least wouldn't likely be one to suddenly be dog-whistling about it here).
I personally believe that we as a society are evolving, and with the greater understanding of the power of words (that whole sticks and stones thing we learned as children was awful, awful advice), this is one of the more clearly outdated turns of phrase. I was watching an old episode of "All in the Family" the other day, and Archie referred to "the coloureds" (how the hell do you spell that?).... I think we'd all see this as an outdated phrasing that if used by that one eccentric uncle who for whatever reason feels he has a "right" to it since that's what he used in high school.
I work with youth, and they use terminology like that all the time "don't be gay" etc. etc. and I challenge them everytime on it. Forms a habit. I will call people out on it in public face to face too (have done in this very community), so please don't feel I was targeting you / am accusing you of anything.
Mark
Mark, just a question..... and not beating a dead horse here...
have you always lived in Kitchener ? Or have you ever lived in the downtown Toronto area ?
i only ask this because the words you are saying have homophobic underpinnings are actually quite commonly used and are never taken as derogatory. I have one very close female friend that insists on being called a “fag-hag” and has for over 24 years, and obviously she is a gay icon among our friends.