What is queer?

[summerSaltLicker43]

I don't want another definition. I'm more interested in hearing what Queer means to you.

Does queer mean Questioning? What made you question, if you consider yourself LGBTQIA?

And when someone else says the word queer, what are they usually talking about?

To be honest, I don't hear the word queer used as a slur that often anymore, but I am in the big city. More like a term the community itself has adopted.

 

[manifestoSkimmer]

I think of all the words associated with LGBTQ, Queer or Questioning is the most open-ended.

It can refer to a number of preferences, sexualities, orientations and genders that don't conform to binary norms.

When I first heard the word queer I also thought it was a slur. But then I discovered it's really a word of empowerment, because it means that you are not typical. You are unique and amazing and brilliant and not to be shamed, no matter what your preferences are.

I consider myself on the spectrum of sexuality, and closer to pansexual than cishet. When I first learned about the modern usage of queer, I was happy, happy to know that there are other people like me out there. So now it's a word of pride.

Ummm the other word, the one that is a slur, I don't use as a term of empowerment - being an African American male. I understand some brothers use it trying to be funny, but I don't like it whatsoever.

 

[forgetmeNot88]

I think it just means Questioning, or Queer, basically an umbrella term for people who don't identify as cisgender or heterosexual.

 

[Strongboi]

I kinda think questioning is different from queer. Because queer is in reference to specific orientations and genders, including lesser known labels like Two Spirit, etc.

Questioning means you're not sure. You might be experimenting with gender fluid, or gay/lesbian, or trans, but you're not sure yet. That's what I think personally.

 

[squish]

Queer is whatever you want it to mean. And it's only a slur if cishets use it hahah