On the Semantics of "Homosexual" and "Queer"

With it being Pride month in certain parts of the world, I’ve found myself, at times, discussing the LGBTQ+ community with some friends. Earlier today, my mind couldn’t help but wander. I pondered the semantics of the word “homosexual”. I barely use that word but I’ve never bothered to question myself until today. To me, the term feels quite derogatory. In Kenya, public debate around LGBTQ+ issues remains heavily charged. I mostly encounter the word in news coverage when tied to hateful rhetoric, criminalisation, and conflict. In my opinion, that in itself might be the reason the word has a negative connotation. Additionally, it sounds way too formal and clinical, with it’s major use case being legal documents and medical contexts. On the other hand, the term “queer” is used less locally. Perhaps that is why I find myself gravitating to it. It feels safer to lean on and use it. It has an element of community tied to it. I’m aware of the term’s rocky past but it has been reclaimed by…