Re-evaluation of profanity filter in writer bios

1. 79

   Beigevenusposted 11 months ago

   The word "queer" is considered profanity in the writer's bio, apparently.
   
   I want to preface this suggestion by saying that I fully understand why this word made it onto the profanity list in the first place, as it has indeed been used as a slur historically.
   
   As a person who identifies as queer, however, I find this limiting. Queer, like many other words, is only profanity when put in context and I understand that this increases the level of required moderation.
   
   I don't think it should be considered general profanity as many people identify with this label and should be allowed to highlight that when it's relevant.

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   1. 85

      bravewarriorposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      Back in the '50s and '60s, "gay" was not a thing, nor was LGBTQ. "Queer" referred to people who were in same sex relationships. Please don't be offended. It may take HP a while to catch up with the political (yes, LGBTQ has taken a political stance) atmosphere of today. Our world is rapidly changing and the whole idea of LGBTQ is foreign (and uncomfortable) with many of the older generations.
      
      On another note, back in the 50s and '60s,gay men were referred to as fags. In Britain, a fag was a cigarette.
      
      When you're in a completely new environment than has been accepted for decades, you need to adapt and be proud that it's even an issue of equality in today's world. That means your voices are being heard!

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   2. 84

      Kenna McHughposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      As Alice said in Alice in Wonderland, "Queer how they run."

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   3. STAFF

      Matt Wellsposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      Send an email to team@hubpages.com and we will see what we can do.

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      1. 79

         Beigevenusposted 11 months agoin reply to this

         I have done so, thank you.

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   4. STAFF

      Matt Wellsposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      The filters have been updated. You may create your Author Bio.

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2. 79

   Beigevenusposted 11 months ago

   While I appreciate the history lesson, I fail to see how it's directly relevant. HubPages is not a product of the '50s and exists in a society more (or less) open to diversity.
   
   I'm not saying I expect this kind of change instantly, but I think it's worth pointing it out. Language evolves and it can be difficult to stay up to date with it, which is why this is a mere suggestion. To portray a newer mindset towards certain terms and phrases.

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   1. 85

      bravewarriorposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      This is a very new and controversial issue in today's world. That's why I brought up what you're calling history, HP may not yet be ready to put this issue out there. To what niche did you submit it?

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      1. 79

         Beigevenusposted 11 months agoin reply to this

         It was actually before I even got to the article stage. I'm unsure if it's considered profanity in an article, but it is in the writer's bio.

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      2. 79

         Beigevenusposted 11 months agoin reply to this

         Also, I apologize if I sounded defensive in my earlier reply. This topic is a bit of a sore spot for me at times.

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3. 91

   Venkatachari Mposted 11 months ago

   Zoe, I think the word "queer" can be used as a substitute for "unique" if you put it in that sense.
   I went through your bio, and checked that mailboxed.com having 127 movie titles in it.

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   1. 79

      Beigevenusposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      Are you referring to Letterboxd?

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4. 67

   PaulGoodman67posted 11 months ago

   HP should not be sanctioning anyone for identifying as queer in their bio in 2024.
   
   I don't think that explaining what people believed in the 1950s or that English words can have more than one meaning is helpful.
   
   The intended use of the word in this case was clear and HP was wrong to penalize, as far as I can see.

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   1. STAFF

      Matt Wellsposted 11 months agoin reply to this

      It's an automated filter blocking the word. We are working on changing the filter.

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      1. 84

         Kenna McHughposted 11 months agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Matt.

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