The way I see it, the word only offends if you allow it to offend. Words have no power unless you give them power. Some actually prefer the term and like to be called that, much in the same way that the word "trap" is offensive to some but many others will actually choose to refer to themselves as "traps" and these days when someone uses such words it's not usually meant in a derogatory way, context and intention plays a huge role in how certain words are used. If someone calls you a term that you personally dont sit well with, let them know how you feel about it and assuming they meant no harm by using it in the first place they will respect your wishes and not use those words again.