Isn't the Term 'Lesbo' Derogatory?

Question:

Hi. I was just wondering...isn't the term "lesbo" a slur, or derogatory? Why would you use it in your blog title?

A straight chick

Answer:

Good question. The answer is- dum,da,dum!- sometimes. Sure, there are some of out there who won't tolerate the slightest bit of disrespect. Then there are those of us who regularly use offensive labeling, ourselves. And in between there are those of us who understand that the way it is perceived is 50% intent of the user of the term and 50% the audience it is used for.* Some words are off-limits no matter who uses them or where.

The way we are using Lesbos in this blog is the same way in which you are using chick in your e-mail.  It's casual and familiar, but there is no evil intent behind it.

The audience we are hoping to reach is a respectful, curious group who wants to know more about lesbians in order to enhance their lives. If we reach others, that's great. But if they are disrespectful or hateful, well they are beyond any reasoning we can provide. And any lesbians who take offense at our usage of it...lighten up!

We don't take ourselves too seriously over here. Where's the fun in that?

* percentages are obviously pulled out of our butts, but you get the point, right?