I hope that most people can look past it in the same way but unfortunately intent doesn't change how hurtful some things can be. And it's still language that serves to otherise a group of people. Just like the N and F words which have both declined heavily in use (at least since I've been alive).

The way I look at it is that my want to use certain words does not outweigh other people's feelings. English is full of fun and interesting things to say, we can get a bit more creative than just using slurs.