In reply to Puh-leeese.

The word 'queer' is not a slur in and of itself. Someone who identifies as queer could sit anywhere on the spectrum of gender/sexuality/sexual preference that isn't fully mainstream. However, only people with broad awareness of its modern usage should use it, as it is a slur in the wrong hands i.e. 'People who identify as queer' versus 'queers'. Similarly, saying 'black people' is much more respectful than saying 'blacks'.