Is it ever OK to use the term queerbaiting?

[Behind the Aegis]

1. It seems that "queerbating" has been co-opted, like other words have been in the past.

I rarely hear the term applied to people, it is almost exclusively to refer to media 'implying' a couple or character is GLBT without ever confirming it. Basically, it's nothing more than a "tease". As for people, I think there are some who "queerbait", and if that term doesn't blow up your trousers in reference to people, then how's about call it what it is, appropriation.

Frankly, much of this blow back is due to homophobia/transphobia and the need for niche diversity casting and identity politics. There is still not a plethora of openly gay people in positions of authority, including actors. Movies, TV shows, plays, and the like have been better at fleshing out GLBT characters and not treating them as "one offs" or "sideshows". That said, there are still LOTS of those venues that have screwed the GLBT community with stereotyping and casting people who are not right for the role. Why is it a straight person playing gay is sometimes seen as "valiant" or "heroic"?! When it comes to LGBT (and Jews), I hear the constant bray of "the best actor should get the role". Yeah, OK...let's go with that. So much for real representation of LGBT people.



Finally, I really take issue with your comment:

"...as well as expressions of homo- and transphobia, are made by people who are not entirely secure in their own sexuality."

NO! NO! NO! Are there SOME people who are homo/transphobic and are struggling with their sexual/gender identity? Of course! But there is NO proof, whatsoever, that this is the most common reason, and yet, it is a popular trope among the left. It is homophobic! A homophobe/transphobe is more likely to be heterosexual/cisgender. The constant "oh, they must be a secret homo/trannie" crap only serves to BLAME the GBLT community for the discrimination and violence against us and letting heterosexuals/cisgenders off the fucking hook for their bigotry.

I have been at DU for YEEEEEEEEEEARS! In that long time, I can't count the number of DU'ers who (bravely, IMO) admitted to being homophobic/transphobic in the past, and yet, the vast majority of those admitting to past bigotry still aren't gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. So, yes, some (mostly) homophobes and transphobes may struggle with their identities, but it the MAJORITY, the ones with (hetero/cis) PRIVILEGE, who are the real bigots and tormenters of the GLBT community!