Taken from Wikipedia Encyclopedia, online, with annotations by Jere:
The pink triangle was originally used (in inverted form) to denote homosexual men as a Nazi concentration camp badge. It has since been reclaimed, and turned upright, as a symbol of queer (different, progressive) resistance, gay pride and gay rights (change is good).
Since it's emergence in the English language in the 16th century (related to the German quer, meaning across, at right angle, diagonally or transverse), queer has generally meant "strange", "unusual", or "out of alignment".
By the 1900's the term was already starting to gain it's implication of sexual deviance. Subsequently, for most of the 20th century, "queer" was frequently used as a derogatory term for effeminate and/or gay males, and others exhibiting untraditional gender behavior.
Because of the context in which it was reclaimed, queer has sociopolitical connotations, and is often preferred by those who are activists, by those who strongly reject distinct sexual identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight, and by those who see themselves who see themselves as oppressed by the heteronormativity of the larger culture. In this usage it retains the historical connotation of "outside the bounds of normal society" and can be construed as "breaking the rules for sex and gender. It can be preferred because of it's ambiguity, which allows "queer" identifying people to avoid the sometimes strict boundaries that surround other labels. In this context, it is not a synonym for LGBT as it creates a space for "queer" heterosexuals as well as "non-queer" (straight acting) homosexuals.
The First Amendment to the Constitution, allows for freedom of speech, and we stand firm on that freedom. It also allows for everyone to have their own opinion: However in Germany and most of Europe, there are laws, on the books, preventing "Hate" speech in areas that would cause disturbance in the public peace.
We're here
We're queer
We're now in the 21st century and perhaps we need to fully understand what the term means. If someone calls me QUEER (in a derogatory manner, or other wise), I take it as a compliment, and will reply, "Thank You, at least I'm not like you!".

The Rise of the Creative Class….a book by Richard Florida…. has again posed the question of how much "Gay" economics and creativity are somewhat responsible for the growth and stability of the United States.
Various marketing/demographic studies have been done, in the past, and are continuing to be done, around the world, not only of the spending power of our sub-culture, but also, of our contributions to society, as a whole. We are not alone in this……
I have been reading about Baltimore, Maryland, where there has been a massive influx of capital, into the "Gay" areas of the city, including buildings for GLBT organizations, charities and various other "necessities" of our lives. There are even pride colors predominately displayed, in various ways, throughout the areas themselves, and in the City. Perhaps, Baltimore, being a, now, progressive city, has realized the financial and growth aspects of our community, and is acknowledging the power that exists in this.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum:
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, The Governor is not renewing the anti-discrimination laws that have been in existence for previous 2 administrations.
Since Houston's economy is seemingly built on "dinosaurs", (fossil fuels, get it Blanche?), perhaps, it would be an idea, for all of us here to come out of the pre-historic age, and into the new millennia (what a queer idea….unique, different…oh well, I'm thinking again.)
There is a lot of talk about Reganomics, and its lasting effects on the U.S. Now, the headlines in the Sunday New York Times Magazine, OBAMANOMICS! Wow, a Democrat Republican, and now a Democrat, concerned about Economy (there seems to be a continuum here, of some nature). I wonder, exactly, which economics they are looking at, and who will be affected by the latest in this enormous campaign (I believe it might just parallel the money China spent on the Olympics….or at least run a close second) instead of dealing with the issues themselves.
As a community, nationwide, we took a stand, in 1969, beginning with the Stonewall Riots, when we, as a community stood up, took the blows, but let the world know that we are here, and we are different, Queer, and will be accepted with our influence to be known.
That led to major changes in the United States, as we knew it then (Yes, I was alive).
There are still issues that affect all of us, no matter what the social or societal norms are. Among them, in my eyes are:
Income Tax, Support Issues….
We, as a community, pay a per capita rate, far above the Heterosexual community. We, by and large, through our taxes, are providing funds for their children's education. I know, many of us have children, and I am not negating that at all, HOWEVER, Children are born into a situation, supposedly of love and respect, and the parents have certain responsibilities to adhere to. I don't see a child as a tax write off, rather, a lifetime commitment by the parents, #1, and by the community of the United States, #2. I would like the same tax breaks, or others that are given for these issues, and have the right to support education, as well as other things, as I and my partner seem fit.
While I'm on my soapbox…let me further venture into the realm of controversy by adding, "Why don't we, as Americans, bring back all the outsourced jobs to our country and put America Back To Work? That might solve some economic issues, as well as societal issues that are currently vividly present. This seems to be a very simple situation, with a very simple solution.
There are keywords that have been a standard in our community for decades (yes Blanche, I've been around a while.) Honor, Respect, and Loyalty. Perhaps it's time we push for these standards to prevail in our elected officials as well as in the US of A!
As we come into the season of Party Conventions, and the selection of Candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, I'm asking everyone, to stand tall, ask questions, demand that these officials and candidates, come to us, and let us ask questions. Hopefully, this could open other avenues of communication that could lead to even greater solutions/answers, to the many situations we face on a daily basis. It's time to end discrimination, hate, lack of acceptance, and other issues within these United States of America (the social experiment that has worked for at least a couple of centuries), then we can make a stronger push for these rights in other governmental institutions around the world! (humm, governing the mental?)
There is strength in Diversity, a certain power in being different, and acknowledging, accepting and understanding those differences, even within our own Community. With that strength and power, we can move forward together, as a community and as a civilization!
Queernomics?
Well, we are who we are, and we're not going anywhere. We seem to have been around for Millenia! AND,
WE'RE HERE TO STAY!
REGAMONICS
OBAMANOMICS
QUEERNOMICS
Which do you really want?