I'm with Craig -- take a deep breath, Cari, and rethink what you are trying to ask in your flame on the use of the word "queer" in common parlance. I do not have the slightest idea what you are implying in your posting beyond objecting to the use of NWA, but I get the impression that there is a real question lurking in there somewhere. If you want to explore contested terms and who has the right or authority to discuss them and in what context (a topic that certainly has relevance to museum folks), try rephrasing your thoughts. Farar Elliott Director of Public Programs The Valentine Museum 1015 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219 [log in to unmask]