Ch. 3, p. 28

The historically derogatory terms, "queer" and "dyke," have evolved in the last 50 or so years to a more ambiguous state. In certain situations they are used in the 1950s sense, but they have also been adopted by the homosexual community, for less hateful uses.

As with any word, any, there are factors to be considered in their interpretation. Since there is no eternal association between the signifier and the signified, the acceptable usage of "queer" or "dyke" is determined not only by the person who utters the word, but everyone who witnesses the usage, and develops an interpretation. Under these circumstances, any word, including "queer" or "dyke," can be hateful or an affirmation to be celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, etc. I've never understood the idea that a person can only acceptably use a certain derogatory word if they are the offended, the victim.

Despite the fact that "queer" and "dyke" are generally not seen as the hateful terms they once were, the social tide can push them back into that position, or on the other end, could bring them out of the subcultures and into mainstream usage.