I still wish I knew why that particular sign listed both "gay" and "queer," as though referring to two different states of being.

Maybe they wanted to play both sides of the fence by sending a greeting from gays and non-gays to non-gays and gays.

A gay person seeing that welcome would know that he is at home in that area with fellow "queers", as well as with non-gays who respect his sexual orientation.

Next time you are there, why not ask? I am curious about the answer as well.