Welcome back to “Ask a Homo,” Outward's no-judgment answer service for all your questions on LGBTQ politics, culture, etiquette, language, and other queer conundrums. This week June Thomas explains why some gay people have reclaimed words, like queer and dyke, that were long considered derogatory—and still are in many contexts.

If there are questions you’ve been dying to ask a member of the real rainbow coalition, this is your chance. Send your queries—for publication—to slateoutward@gmail.com, and please put “ASK A HOMO” in the subject line. Note that questions may be edited.

Other Questions Asked of Homos:
Are gay weddings different from straight ceremonies?
Why do gay men sometimes call each other she?
What’s the deal with tops and bottoms?
Why do lesbians wear so much flannel? 
What's the deal with the gay lisp? 
Should a straight person frequent a gay bar?