An American woman I know was angry and referred to a gay couple as “queens”. I raised it, she is straight cis and says the word is fine in America. I’m in the UK and it’s not ok here unless you’re lgbt yourself (and even then plenty wouldn’t like it).
Can anyone advise?
I’m not american, but from my experience with american media (including queer content creators on YT etc) I’d say it depends on context and pronunciation.
In the context you provided, spoken angrily, I’d guess it’s an insult and I have heard it like that, but it is also used in a celebratory, uplifting, empowering way.
Yep the angry tone can change things. Thanks for answering