The song is written from the perspective of a guy delivering microwave ovens and such. Unless you think Sting hates gay people and is also... delivering microwave ovens, you shouldn't worry about it too much.

I was surprised as hell when I last heard it on the 80's channel on XM. They've edited out the entire verse with faggot in it. Improves the song, actually. I always thought it was too long.

I give Dire Straits a pass for its use. The word is used to make fun of itself. They're calling him "that word" because of his looks, but the joke's on them because that little f-word is a Millionaire!

Allegedly it was quoting a rant from a disgruntled tv salesman.

Yeah, it hasn't aged very well.

That word used to get used to get used quite a lot in the 80's.

My feelings 1:1