lib·er·al adj.
1. a. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
b. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
c. Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
d. Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.
2. a. Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
There was a decision made years ago in the gay community to reclaim the words "dyke" and "queer." In doing so these words no longer had the bite they once did. When someone calls me a dyke, I respond, "Yes and I'm proud to be a dyke!" We need to do the same with the word liberal, "Yes I'm liberal and damn proud of it!"
In my world, liberal means someone who is forward thinking and doesn't live in an antiquated society, but instead lives in a reality-based community (sorry, had to). A liberal is someone who thinks of those around her, not just herself, and also thinks about the environment and the world. A liberal is someone, though they may not appreciate your religion, wants you to have the freedom to practice it without it impeding on our daily lives because we realize there is more than one school of dogma. I too could go on and on.
The point is, take away the negative stereotype by opening a dialogue using positive terms. We need to define ourselves now more than ever. It's not a bad thing to be a liberal, we've done lots of good for those folks that despise us and because we are "liberal" we continue that good work in spite of the ingratitude bestowed upon us. We do it because that is who we are and we are thinking of the common good, this, IMO, is the message that needs to be equated with the word liberal.