"Queer!"

"Faggot."

"Hey Lezzy!"

"Freak!"

"Look at that He-She!"

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!" I know I've chanted this old rhyme countless times as a kid and although I don't recall specific moments I can pretty much gather why I sang it. The names we call each other as kids and later as adults can sting, as most of us know, and can have a lasting impact.

For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated with how we use words and language to communicate with each other. Our experiences undoubtedly shape our perception of words and ultimately which ones we use and which ones we avoid. Some words evolve organically over time and others are actively embraced or shunned.