Profile details suggestion ("Sexuality")

[RadGravity]

I'd like to suggest the addition of being able to choose "queer" among the alternatives for sexuality. It's what I identify as for the most part and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Queer being (in this case) a sort of non-label but still defining oneself as non hetero-normative. The definition of the term is loose but well used amongst a lot of people. It should be noted as being very different from the "Confused/Unsure" option. For further reading on queer theory, see this Wikipedia article.

I realize that this might not be a top priority, but it shouldn't have to demand too much of an effort to change.

Thought anyone?

[Verscha]

Man, I don't get identity politics.

At any rate, perhaps 'pansexual' would be a better term?

[RadGravity]

Originally Posted by Verscha

Man, I don't get identity politics.

At any rate, perhaps 'pansexual' would be a better term?

I wouldn't call it politics, even though it's often talked about in a political context. But yeah, it's pretty much a whole science that takes some digging through to really get.

Queer and pansexual are different things though. To me the addition of queer (and perhaps other options) is entirely about being able to represent myself as truthfully as possible.

[UnMarth]

Originally Posted by Verscha

Man, I don't get identity politics.

At any rate, perhaps 'pansexual' would be a better term?

I don't like it either, however I guess you could just tick all the boxes for pan.

I don't see the problem. I wonder if it would be better to just leave it as a text box and let the user enter what ever they feel like instead. Gives them more freedom that way.

[Charlie F]

The danger is that it could be mistaken as something offensive, given that 'queer' has negative connotations. It's certainly not very PC, unless you're aware of the 'queer theory' thing (which until this thread I hadn't).

[Chillhouse]

We need to have asexuality too. No, not the 'I'm not attracted to anyone' definition, but the 'I reproduce through Mitosis' one.

[Dreamaker]

What's the most common meaning for queer when it comes up in context of sex? It's a deregotory name for gay people. For that reason, I think this is a bad idea.

[RadGravity]

Originally Posted by Charlie F

The danger is that it could be mistaken as something offensive, given that 'queer' has negative connotations. It's certainly not very PC, unless you're aware of the 'queer theory' thing (which until this thread I hadn't).

Originally Posted by Dreamaker

What's the most common meaning for queer when it comes up in context of sex? It's a deregotory name for gay people. For that reason, I think this is a bad idea.

You both bring up a good point. I honestly didn't even think of it that way as it's not a negative word in the same sense in Sweden. We have or own words with the derogatory meaning. It's much more of a describing word over here.

I would think that on a forum based around a rare (often) sexual attraction most people would be aware of the non-derogatory sense of the word. Apparently I'm a bit stuck in my own head here.

How about an "other" or "non-defined" option? Not that it really matters that much. It's just a minor suggestion.

[kees]

Actually, I think the term is very PC in the U.S.

I think it would be an appropriate addition.

[Point Blanch]

Originally Posted by RadGravity

How about an "other" or "non-defined" option? Not that it really matters that much. It's just a minor suggestion.

... there IS an "other" option.

Right underneath Private.