Somewhere in the 16th century the word “queer” appeared. It was used to mean “strange/odd/peculiar/eccentric”.
The Oxford English Dictionary says the noun “queer” was first used to mean homosexual by the Marquess of Queensbury, in 1894, however, this previously offensive word has now been regained by a large number of the LGBTQ+ community who now refer to themselves as Queer with Pride.
So, what do we need to understand about the use of the word queer?
For a start the “Q” in LGBTQ+ can represent Queer or sometimes Questionning but it can still be offensive to many. It is of paramount importance to never refer to a person or group of people as queer unless you know for absolute certainty that they are comfortable with that.
Others who hear the word may take offense too so it still needs to be used with caution, at least for now.
In 2003 the TV series “Queer Eye” was possibly one of the first instances where Queer was used with positive connotations in mainstream media, though prior to this “Queer Nation” (an LGBTQ+ activist organisation) utiilised the word Queer in 1990.
However, for those like myself, who use it as part of their own identity the territory is still slightly confusing so I want to clear that up.
For me, the word queer is an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ communty; lets be honest it is far less of a mouthful and in my opinion it is fully inclusive too. It is important to state that some people are also referring to themselves as “Gender-Queer” if they are not cisgendered (a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex).
Queer is a label I have adopted for myself but I am conscious that it is still a word or term that is rejected by many. It should not be used as a slur, or in a derogatory way, just as the word “gay” shouldn’t either. For me it is self-affirming, all inclusive and I for one am proud that the community has reclaimed it and is starting to remove the negative association it has.
I believe other words will follow as well; for example I am hearing many young people refer to themselves as “Dykes” instead of lesbians and I’m intrigued to see how the next generation chooses to refer to themselves. The LGBTQ+ community has a tendency to be slightly obsessed with labels and putting themselves in boxes, this also causes friction within the community at times so maybe the use of the word queer being an umbrella term could bring unity and cohesion and reduce that friction.
At the end of the day, however you identify, whether you want a label or not, the choice should be and is entirely yours. Find one that empowers you and validates you as an individual.
I may be naive but actually I would hope that one day we could live in a world without labels as there will be no need to be anything but true to yourself…
Sarah Maslen
sarah@lgbtqplus.org.uk
