Labels can be both useful and fun when used within our community.  It is very helpful to be able to identify potential partners that appeal to you.  Sorry, there are just certain types I'm not interested in.  Maybe you are totally, 100% open-minded; good for you.  But for a lot of us, it is better to hone in on those you would be most compatible with and attracted to.  Further, my entire group of friends will refer to one another as "femme" or "babydyke"...why not?  It is all in good fun and nobody gets hurt.  Many minority populations speak this way when in the company of similar people.
mrol's avatar
I personally don't mind the "lesbian type" labels, after all, they were/are (re)claimed by lesbians, and so it's totally acceptable. Besides, most of the time they aren't even used as a serious labeling system, but mostly included in humorous speech.

The terms which are oppressive towards other groups of people, such as the transgender community, for instance, should be erased, though. I've seen some transphobic and inaccurate definitions in this article. But hey, it's an old post, so I guess it's understandable, as the trans community was way more invisible back then than it is now.
Yes, absolutely.  I read an article in "The Advocate" admonishing the use of the word "tranny" by gays and lesbians.  The article pointed out that we gays are no more entitled to use that phrase than other groups.  If we aren't part of the trans community, it is hurtful or inflammatory to use it.