(Credit: the Star, screenshot

Toronto Star public editor Kathy English asked readers if “queer” is considered “an offensive word when used as a collective label for the LGBT  (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community” and outlined the newspaper’s style on using the word queer.

According to English, the newspaper doesn’t have a “clear policy” on the word, but has used it frequently and even used to have a “biweekly column called ‘Queer Culture.'” However, she wrote that “even the gay press faces challenges” in avoiding offense and that ” even when no offence is intended, someone is always going to take offence.”

English noted that newspaper’s style calls for journalists only to identify by sexual orientation if “it is relevant to the story.”

Check out English’s full post here.