What does it mean to be Queer?

To be queer means something different for everyone. Growing up as a mixed Belizean/Mexican, homophobia and transphobia are prevalent in all parts of my family. So, to be queer for me means to be unafraid. I have chosen not only to come out, but to speak up against hateful rhetoric when I hear it in my family. To be queer for me means to be an advocate, for myself and the rest of the community. I am happy as a pansexual individual who is completely out. My sister, who is also panssexual, is completely out to my family. We both exist as a paradox but also as advocates.

The way I understand it, it's an umbrella term for anyone who feels they don't fit (one way or another) in the monogamous, hetronormative narration. Or simply put anyone who feels left out because they don't fit in the boxes of society ;) Appearntly they want me to write an essay here. So I can explain some of the terms: Monogamy = a relationship between two people and two people only Hetronormative narration = everyhting that belongs to the idea of being hetero. The idea that it's the norm to be hetero and play in these roles. How women and men should behave towards eachother, for example men should take women out and nt the other way around. Boxes of society = the way society teaches us to be, for example, we need to go to school, get a good job, become succesfull and get a job.

The Queer identity is one that has gone through a lot of changes as of late. The term originally meant, and still means, "strange or odd". Because of that, the term was used as a slur against members of the LGBT community, to describe them as strange or odd. As it does with many slurs, some members of the targeted community reclaimed the term for themselves. By using the term to describe themselves, these people felt like they could take the power out of the original term, and use it to describe themselves in a non-offensive way. [NOTE: As a slur, queer is usually used as a noun. For example: "you're a queer", "that queer is here". When it is reclaimed, it is usually used as an adjective. For example: "I'm here and I'm queer", "I am a queer person".] Many people use "queer" as a synonym for LGBT. Some people use "queer" to describe an identity that is definitely not cisgender or heterosexual, but they are not quite sure what it is yet. For example, instead of saying "I am bisexual", they may say "I am queer". This usage of queer is very often used to describe people who identify as "genderqueer". This term is often used synonymously with the term "nonbinary", which is someone who does not have a fully male or fully female gender. While many members of the LGBT community have reclaimed the word "queer", it is important to remember that many have NOT, and so it is not okay to call anyone queer if they have not made it clear that they identify with that word. As such, care should be taken to avoid referring to the entire LGBT community as "queers" or "the queer community". Reclaiming words is a highly individual experience, and it is perfectly alright that many people are not comfortable reclaiming the slur as their own. :) In summary, "queer" is a word that was originally used in a derogatory way towards LGBT people, but many have since reclaimed it. It can also describe someone who is LGBT but does not have a more specific identity, or someone who is nonbinary.

From my own experience, to be queer means to be distinct from cisgender heteronormative standards that entrench nearly every part of our existence. To be queer for me means not necessarily a certain way of expression, but a personal rebellion against cishet norms, however that may be expressed. Queer identities are typically formed as a direct result of mainstream exclusion of gay/bi/trans people, even from within their own communities. Some may see it as an umbrella term that signifies a non-specific relation to the LGBTQ community, others see queer as its own distinct label that belongs within the LGBTQ community.

Queer refers to people who do not identify themselves as heterosexual or cisgender (people whose gender identity is the same as their gender matched at birth). Queer is a rather broad and vague term. There are some people in the LGBTQ+ who also identifies as queer heterosexual, meaning they may be attracted to the opposite gender but at the same time, exhibit other interests (not completely heterosexual). The term queer has also been used when people are questioning their sexual orientation. As mentioned before, queer is a naturally vague term, meaning to include everyone. Queer has been used in the past as an insult to the LGBTQ+ community as well as particular people. Therefore, it is important to remember to ask a person’s gender identity before categorizing them in any way whether or not one may believe they are. Recently, however, queer has become more of a broad term and is often mentioned.

"queer" is an adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. Also, typically, for those who identify as queer, the terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are perceived to be too limiting and/or fraught with cultural connotations they feel don't apply to them. If you're not sure about a label, that's where an umbrella term like queer can come in handy. If you do decide on a label that feels right to you, also know that you define that label on your own terms. You can embrace the ambiguity and fluidity of sexuality. You don't have to know exactly who or what you are, and that's okay.

Being a queer person can mean a lot of different things to different people, but the most broad definition is probably being an LGBT+ person, or to be different than heterosexual and cisgender (identifying with the gender you were assigned at birth). "Queer" is a broad term for the LGBT community, but it has a lot of history that brings many gay people to dislike the term to describe themselves. Using the term "queer" is often associated with those that choose not to specifically define themselves, like nonbinary people or those with specific attractions that don't like labels. In the end, to be queer means to be you!

It means to be part of a community of people who are different. People who sometimes have to hide who they are but are brilliant and wonderful. Being queer means being a little different from everyone else because of your sexuality or your gender. But it doesn't make you any less. It's something you can call yourself because the world decided you weren't normal and you didn't fit their expectations. Being queer means having stereotypes attached to who you are and people judging you before they know you. It means people being entitled and thinking they have a right to know everything about you. It means a lack of representation. But it also means discovering who you are. Understanding what makes you you. Learning more about yourself and choosing how you wish to identify. Being queer means being different but it also means being special.

(This got a bit poetic at some point, so sorry about that!) To be queer means to dare to be your true, authentic self in a world which would sometimes rather we lied. To be queer is to take all of the things that society has taught us are wrong about ourselves, and celebrate them regardless, knowing we are not broken or sick, but rather beautiful in all our quirks and individuality. It is to struggle, to feel that you have to hide something as important and innocent as who you love or who you really are, and yet to go on loving and existing anyway. It is to be part of a global movement of people who are paving the way for the next generation to feel safer and more confident than ever before, and inspiring others. To be queer is a superpower of sorts, but also simply a slightly different way to be a human.

Being Queer is an umbrella term but can also be used by a specific term as an identity. Anyone in the LGBTQ+ community can use the term, Queer. It generally implies the person is not straight, and you can also identify as something else along with being Queer. It's a great way to show who you are without having to be very specific. The term Queer is also used when talking about the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. It implies a person that doesn't follow heterosexual norms. It's a great and helpful term and I think it also means awesome!

The short answer is that "queer" is an umbrella term used to describe anyone who isn't exclusively straight/ heterosexual. For example, if I were talking about a group of women, two of which identified as lesbians, and one who identified as bisexual, I might say they're queer women. Just calling them lesbians leaves out the bisexual, so the term "queer" encompasses all their identities. Queer can also be used to encompass the entire LGBTQ+ community (ex. "queer people"). That said, however, some LGBTQ+ people aren't comfortable with the word, as it has historically been a slur used against not-straight/ gender nonconforming people. Others are completely okay with it and are trying to reclaim the word. Others still use it to identify themselves because they're unsure of their specific identity or don't like specific labels.

Queer can mean many different things. It can mean that you are questioning your gender identity or sexual orientation, or it can simply be used as a broad term for someone who is LGBTQ that may not particularly identify as anything specific. Many people who are unsure of their sexuality or gender identity use the term queer, as well as people who may not want to identify with a more specific term, like someone who does not want to be labeled. It can also be used for people who have a rare or misunderstood orientation or identity, and simply use that term because it is more understood than say, genderfluid biromantic demisexual.

To be queer means to identify as something not cisgender-heteroromantic-heterosexual. If your gender is different than your birth sex, then you aren’t cisgender. If you feel attraction to more than ‘the opposite’ gender(more than male-female), then you aren’t heterosexual or heteroromantic, depending on what type of attraction it is. It used to be a slur against the LGBTQ+ community but has been reclaimed. It can serve as a label for people who feel they don’t ‘fit’ with any other labels for gender or sexuality or can refer to any LGBTQ+ person. Being queer is perfectly valid in every way and a number of people express themselves as queer.

Queer is an umbrella term used by LGBTQ+ and MOGAI communities to mean anyone who is considered a part of those groups. If you are homosexual, you are queer. If you are genderfluid, you are queer. If you are aromantic, you are queer. Some people prefer to use that as a personal label instead of something more specific (ie. a bi man saying he's just queer). Some people use it to mean the community as a whole, since it's easier to say (ie. The Queer Community). However, it has also been used as a slur historically, even though that's not how it was used originally. Some people are not comfortable being referred to as queer, so keep that in mind. Basically, if it fits for you, then you have full rights to use it! As long as you are LGBTQ+ in some way, then it applies.

anybody who doesn't feet into known gender identities or sexual orientations (or not considered normal and usual) are called queer, in lgbtq+ it is used for people who won't fit into any of the other subcommunities but it can also be used for the whole lgbt community in some case...

Being Queer is when you are not cis, nor straight. Being cis means that you have been assigned a gender and you still identify with the same one. Being straight means you are attracted (romantically and/or sexually) to the opposite gender. So, if any of those things don't apply to you or someone, you/they are, by definition Queer. Though, it is important to note that "queer" was originally an insult, that was reclaimed by the community. Some people in the community might not like being called as such. The word "queer" in arts and culture refers to a category of non-conforming people.

The textbook definition for queer is basically an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender. In simpler words, being queer means you identify as non straight or/and not the set gender you're born into the biological body of. Which means if you identify as bisexual, homosexual, pan sexual, gender fluid, transgender, etc. you're queer. Although some had attempted to incorporate heterosexuals into the ''queer'' category, essentially labeling straight people as queer heterosexuals, it was met with a wide range of criticism, as the queer community wants to keep it as a symbol of their pride.

Being queer means your in the LGBTQ community. Everyone one of them is queer if you are gay or nonbinary. Some people choose to identify as just queer. Many reasons could make someone want to do this. So queer is the umbrella term for everyone, in the LGBTQ community. I have a friend who goes by queer, because they are nonbinary and like women. But even cis people could go by it. If you have a confusing identity that doesn't fit in one category it could be used. It is very broad, so there isn't one thing that it means, it means a lot of things.

Being queer simply means that you don't follow societal norms, with your gender identity or sexuality. It used to be used as a derogatory term against member of the LGBTQ+ community, but has since been "retaken" by the community. The use of the word Queer by the LGBTQ+ community is often used to show that they don't care if people call them names, and they are proud of who they are. Though it can still be a difficult word to use/hear for some people, it is a word of empowerment for others. If we go back to basics, Queer simply means homosexuality, however it has a much more powerful meaning to so many.

Being queer means being any person in the LQBTQ+ community. You can be gay, lesbian, asexual,trans, or anything from that community and you will be queer.a term predominantly used by the LGBTQ community to stake a contrast from mainstream, heteronormative society.queer is an umbrella term that can be used by anyone under the LGBTQ spectrum. Queer conveys both an orientation and a sense of community. The word queer is sometimes used as a derogatory term but the reclamation of the word is like, ‘This is who I am. We don’t need to be like everyone else; let’s celebrate our differences, and don’t try to put me in any sort of box of who you need me to be because I’ll continuously try to break down the boxes.” It is worth noting that while the word queer is generally celebrated, some LGBTQ folks still prefer to avoid it due to its discriminatory history.

Being queer in my opinion, is anyone who isn’t cisgendered and/or heterosexual, it is anyone who isn’t the average person, who has something different about their sexuality and/or gender. Eg, gay, lesbian, genderqueer, transgender. However some people, particularly the older generation of the lgbtq community may not like being called queer and do not identify with that label which is totally fine, as for years it was used as a slur against our community. So, in short, queer people are anyone that is in the lgbtq community although not everybody identifies with this term, so be respectful of people’s boundaries.

Queer by definition is to be strange or odd, courteous of Google. But in my eyes to be Queer is so much more then that. As a member in the queer community I see it as amazing. It is not strange to me and I get excited when I see someone on the scale. Sure, it is not very seen in my community, some consider it bad, but it is amazing. Queer means to me as confidence. I mean it is hard being different, I know that for a fact and the people in that community can sometimes question even themselves, I know I have. I also see it as strength. I mean you gotta be pretty strong in what you believe in, in order to be you. There is so much more that queer means to me. Queer is stunning and amazing and if you are queer then you are amazing. If you are not and support it, thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Remember this, I would rather be hated for who I am then loved for who I am not, I don't know the author, sorry. You are beautiful and amazing!!

Do you know the Hufflepuff house from Harry Potter and the Hermes house from Percy Jackson? Being Queer is kind of like being in those two houses. On one hand, you may not know what your identity is yet, but you know you are LGBTQIA+. That is like being in the Hermes house (house of tricksters and travelers) when you first arrive at Camp Half Blood in Percy Jackson. And on the other hand, you may already know you don't quite fit the definitions of any of the other identities and are just sort of your own thing. That is like being in the Hufflepuff house, a house for people who do not quite fit into any of the other houses, at Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

Queer can mean a whole lot of things to different people, but generally queer being the q in lbgtqi+ has a balance of meaning. When one begins to understand that he/she may not be opposite sex attracted, their process can go a whole myriad of different directions. There's a lot of possible denial. For example 'I can't be different to my community, that will make life hard' So one could try convince oneself to not be anything other than heteronormative. Or sometimes when one decides "ok, I am same sex attracted" it could still not fit exactly right, we could be Bi or even come to the conclusion that we aren't actually attracted to anyone. So that process of figuring out who we are could lead a person to label as queer - "im not sure yet but I am definitely not straight." Another meaning of queer can be how we behave irrelevant of our sexuality. I grew up identifying as straight, but was perfectly happy wearing dresses, having long hair, and behaving in non traditional "man" type ways. It had nothing to do with me feeling like a woman or at that stage being attracted to men or women, i just wasn't concerned with sticking with my cultural gender norms. So i could have been labelled a little bit queer. A little bit off the traditional. So one can behave queer. One could label as queer as being in between understanding and conclusion. Or one could label as queer to announce to others that you dont want to be boxed into any of the other labels.

It means to have an identity that is eccentric with respect to the conventional male-female gender roles. For example, gender identities like non-binary or genderfluid fall into the broader queer category. Queer has also been used with an expanded meaning, indicating all LGBTQ+ identities. It has become a quite common colloquial use.

Queer is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or cisgender. Originally meaning "strange" or "peculiar", queer came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century.The meaning of 'queer' has changed a lot over the past few decades. From being a slur, to being reclaimed by some LGBT people and rejected by others, 'queer' means many different things to many different people. ... Like the word Gay used to mean “happy”, queer used to mean “strange” or “different”. Queer is a word that describes sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people may all identify with the word queer.

While the general definition might include something considered out of the mainstream or odd to the majority, would there really be any definitive answer to that question? Wouldn't everybody, in one way or another, be considered queer or odd by others, at times? ... I'm not so sure there can be one definitive answer to this, as personalities are entirely unique and individual. One person's experience, while similar in some ways to others, cannot possibly be entirely parallel. And would any definition claiming to be as definitive REALLY include all the unique idiosyncrasies that would be all inclusive under the term?

To me, queer is an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community. To me, it just means that you fall somewhere on the spectrum of gay, bisexual, pansexual etc. However queer can hold different meanings and connotations for different people. For example, the word queer used to be used as a derogatory slur, like the word 'faggot', because queer also meant 'strange' or 'odd'. However, many in the LGBTQ+ community have now reclaimed the word queer and use it in affection to describe themselves and their LGBTQ+ friends. In fact, some say that the Q in LGBTQ stands for queer, while others say it stands for questioning. Whichever way, queer can mean many things, depending on who you ask, but is generally a term that refers to someone on the LGBTQ spectrum.

To be queer means different things to different people, and it’s okay for it to mean what you need it to—that’s the beauty of it. For me, it means belonging to a community under the reclaimed umbrella term that accepts and celebrates diversity and encourages each of its members to be themselves at the pace that fits them/is safe for them. It’s freedom to express and feel my identity as valid and connect with others who make it safe, as well as a way to signal to those who might need it that I’ll always be that safe space for them too.

Queer is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or cisgender. Originally meaning "strange" or "peculiar", queer came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century.The meaning of 'queer' has changed a lot over the past few decades. From being a slur, to being reclaimed by some LGBT people and rejected by others, 'queer' means many different things to many different people. ... Like the word Gay used to mean “happy”, queer used to mean “strange” or “different”. Queer is a word that describes sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people may all identify with the word queer.