Do you celebrate being 'queer' or do you see the word as offensive, superficial or 'cute'?

Answer 1

Hey elmo, take a look at the questioner's profile. He's not against gay people. He IS gay, and he's one of the few on here who bothers to post serious, thought-provoking questions. The use of the word "queer" in LGBT circles is actually a hotly debated issue and it is certainly something that can be discussed here.

Anyhow Ashley. I like this question. And I'm not sure how I feel about the word. I don't celebrate being queer because liking women has never been the central defining characteristic in my life. I identify more with my profession than anything else.

But I do use the word queer a lot because I get tired of saying LGBT, and that acronym doesn't cover everyone it should. I also like reclaiming the word from straight people who say it with a sneer on their faces.

I've noticed in my circles at least that feelings about the word tend to be generational. People in the generation before me don't like it, where as many people in my generation think it's great. And then the generation after me seems to be transcending labels, which I think is so cool.

I think it can be offensive to people, so I try to find out how people feel about the word before I use it around them. It can be superficial, too. And I can see how some people would think it's too cutesy. But I've never seen the word as cute because to me it's an in-your-face word that definitely jars the senses when you see it or hear it. Kind of like seeing the n-word written out. I associate the word with various in-your-face LGBT-friendly publications.

Good questions. Keep 'em coming!! :)

Answer 2

First of all "strange" doesn't automatically mean "not right". And that's why I like the word "queer", but I don't use it interchangeably with "gay". You are NOT automatically queer if you're gay, I think. Again, I link the queer nation manifesto: http://sterneck.net/cybertribe/gender/queer-nation-manifesto/index.php.


"
- Why Queer?

Queer!

Ah, do we really have to use that word? It's trouble. Every gay person has his or her own take on it. For some it means strange and eccentric and kind of mysterious. That's okay; we like that. But some gay girls and boys don't. They think they're more normal than strange. And for others "queer" conjures up those awful memories of adolescent suffering. Queer. It's forcibly bittersweet and quaint at best - weakening and painful at worst. Couldn't we just use "gay" instead? It's a much brighter word. And isn't it synonymous with "happy"? When will you militants grow up and get over the novelty of being different?

Why Queer ...

Well, yes, "gay" is great. It has its place. But when a lot of lesbians and gay men wake up in the morning we feel angry and disgusted, not gay. So we've chosen to call ourselves queer. Using "queer" is a way of reminding us how we are perceived by the rest of the world. It's a way of telling ourselves we don't have to be witty and charming people who keep our lives discreet and marginalized in the straight world. We use queer as gay men loving lesbians and lesbians loving being queer. Queer, unlike gay, doesn't mean male.

And when spoken to other gays and lesbians it's a way of suggesting we close ranks, and forget (temporarily) our individual differences because we face a more insidious common enemy. Yeah, queer can be a rough word but it is also a sly and ironic weapon we can steal from the homophobe's hands and use against him."

Answer 3

My wife says I can admit to being proud I was queer and that I celebrated it as often as possible, but now we both are.

Answer 4

I celebrate it. But I know that others might find it offensive. I've never heard of it being called 'cute', though.

Answer 5

I think queer should be a deleted word.

And should be replaced by;
"I am a male and I prefer my own gender"

Answer 6

Well, queer sounds kinda girlish, which a lot gay men are not.

Answer 7

I don't celebrate things that aren't good for me. That's not to say I stop doing them - but I don't find it a source of celebration.

Answer 8

It is one of those words that depends on who uses it and how.

Answer 9

celebrate

Answer 10

i think your prejudce against gay people you have put 3 offensive questions up here already
so stop it and respect them