The Rapid Evolution of Queer Language

Abstract

**This essay contains terminology that may be considered offensive to some. Names have been changed to protect identities. “You remember Kayla?” “Kayla Riddle?” “Yeah. You know she’s a boy now?” “Oh no shit! Not surprised, kinda saw that one coming.” As I sit with a high school friend on back porch of her trailer, I quickly realize that most of my middle-class, leftist/liberal friends would jump on how we phrase Kai’s coming out. But sitting here, helping Amber figure out how much dope she’d need to sling to make rent this month, calling out mildly transphobic language isn’t a priority. [excerpt