I'm gay, however, I also Identify as Queer. To me, it's a reclaimed word, one that used to be used offensively, but now i claim it as my own identity. To me, it means someone who embraces their sexuality. It can be used as an umbrella term to unite all Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people as a community together.
So I'm wondering, for the GLBT people out there, what do you think of the word Queer?
2006-07-26 11:51:08 · 12 answers · asked by Shaun B 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
In response to mmedemainenon1635,
I totally respect your opinion, but I didn't mean to imply it had to be political. In our society we are discriminated against, and it does make sense to find strength among our peers.
I disagree with you that it's debasing, however I respect your choice not to use it. I think people should or shouldn't label themselves however they like.
I don't think it's fair for you to say that only the lowest common denominator of gay people need to use that term, it's rather judgemental, and I know many people who use it not because they want to make a statement, but merely they don't feel comfortable calling themselves gay.
I don't think every gay needs to have a political agenda, I pesonally have strong political beliefs, but I wouldn't say I have an agenda.
2006-07-26 12:49:37 · update #1
I like the word, and I'll tell you why. Much like the terms "gay" and "dyke", "queer" is one of those terms that used to be used as an insult by people outside the community. But I LOVE that we have reclaimed these words and turned them into sources of power for us.
To me, the word is best used as a device to avoid being pigeonholed. It's sort of the None Of The Above on a multiple choice quiz question. It says to people "I am not straight, but I don't care to label myself any further than that. Deal with me as an individual person, not a faceless category."
And to me, that is pretty damn cool. :-)
2006-07-26 12:13:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just so happen to be a man who is gay, but I do not like the word "Queer". It really debases those gays who are in their heart of hearts truly respectable. I think that it is the lowest common denominator gays that need to use terms like that to make a statement. It is a man or woman like yourself that feels that it is necessary to be "a career queer", meaning that you have to make sure everyone and everything around you is adapted to suit your sexuality. It also seems by you asking this question that what you are saying is everyone needs to have a political agenda. I do say, whatever happened to the days when you could simply be butt pirate and not have to be a card carrying member of some political agenda?
2006-07-26 19:33:05 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally like the word queer.
I'm on the executive board of my college campus' gay club, and I must say it gets quite annoying to keep saying "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender." I'm all for anything short and inclusive (and LGBT doesn't cut it, because no one who -isn't- LGBT knows what it means).
Plus I don't think everything's so black and white as gay, bi, and straight, so I prefer a more blended term. It seems much more inclusive to me than LGBT ever could.
To throw in another opinion at the same time, my boyfriend doesn't like it. This proves somewhat of a nusiance at times. =P
2006-07-26 23:37:44 · answer #3 · answered by hynkle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am gay and dont like the word queer. But ya know my girl doesnt like the word Dyke, but I think of that as a reclaimed word too and I am alright with that one. I guess its all in our perception of how people have used it in the past.
2006-07-27 10:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by Tragic Remedy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shaun, I agree. While the term "queer" used to be offensive, I see it today as defining the entire community of non-straight sexual minorities. And community feels good.
2006-07-26 19:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by michael941260 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually don't mind identifying with the word queer. I do have a problem with the f word for obvious reasons.
2006-07-26 19:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by collegedebt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think "queer" is about the least offensive term there is. I use it myself and don't mind when straight people use it in reference to me.
I'm queer, yes I am.
2006-07-26 19:03:37 · answer #7 · answered by pammy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Simply strategy, if we use the words that others use as insult, for ourselves, they will stop using it that way. Call me *****, gay, queer whatever. I am what I am.
2006-07-26 19:02:28 · answer #8 · answered by Moosty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just use the word gay, it's a lot smaller and doesn't have complications of someone being insulted by it.
2006-07-26 20:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by Adam G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not gay, but I always thought it was offensive and a demeaning term.
2006-07-26 18:56:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋