Cover photo by Aaron Lee Photography of Maarquii for our Queer Issue '19. Back cover photo at Century by Marissa Sullivan for Portland's Pretty Credit: DAMEDEESO / GETTY IMAGES

Cover photo by Aaron Lee Photography of Maarquii for our Queer Issue 19. Back cover photo at Century by Marissa Sullivan for Portlands Pretty

Cover photo by Aaron Lee Photography of Maarquii for our Queer Issue ’19. Back cover photo at Century by Marissa Sullivan for Portland’s Pretty DAMEDEESO / GETTY IMAGES

I’m trying to remember the last time someone called me a “queer” to my face, and… oh! IT WAS LAST WEEK. As you may know, I act in stuff from time to time (I’m pretty good, but NBD). Anyway, some aggro rando dude walked into the theater (a former Chinese school) where we were rehearsing a show, and he refused to leave. After additional confrontation, he screamed in my face, “YOU ARE A CHINESE-LOVING QUEER!” And I replied, “THANK YOU! Finally, someone who recognizes me!”

Full disclosure: While it’s absolutely true I love Chinese people, I have never “loved” a Chinese person, if you know what I mean. But not for lack of trying! I’ve accepted the fact that when it comes to sex, I’m just not everyone’s cup of tea. Anyway, here’s the point: I get called “queer” A LOT… roughly 17 times per year. In fact, I get called “queer” so often, I was very surprised by an email I received today from a Southern Oregon gentleman who referred to me as a “liberal, foul-mouthed looser [sic],” but neglected to call me a “queer.” (There were a lot of misspellings, so I just figured he was in a rush.)

While these people absolutely intend it as an insult, I actually enjoy being called queer, and even experience a weird feeling of relief. See, I’m bisexual, and though it may sound odd, sometimes I don’t feel like I’m queer enough.

Bang bang, choo-choo train, let me see you shake that thang. Wm. Steven Humphrey is the editor-in-chief of the Portland Mercury and has held the job since 2000. (So don’t get any funny ideas.)