===In the US, at least, "queer" is a perfectly acceptable, even preferred, term of reference for many homosexuals, both male and female. It was once considered highly insultive, but the homosexual community seems to have adopted it as a way of stripping it of its power. It's members of the straight community who think "queer" is an insult while "gay" is not.===

Very interesting and informative point, for which many thanks, BWL. Perhaps a comparison with groups with names like "Niggaz With Attitude" might not be unacceptable or irrelevant?