I wasn't gonna continue, but I just wanted to say I'm so sorry that's been your experience. I've met a lot of really lovely people who are just personally uncomfortable with the word and I really hope you meet nicer people in the future. For what it's worth from one stranger on the internet, you aren't a terrible person for using the word for yourself and I wish you all the best in finding a loving community!
Re: not trying to stir anything
I wasn't gonna continue, but I just wanted to say I'm so sorry that's been your experience. I've met a lot of really lovely people who are just personally uncomfortable with the word and I really hope you meet nicer people in the future. For what it's worth from one stranger on the internet, you aren't a terrible person for using the word for yourself and I wish you all the best in finding a loving community!