What does it mean to be Queer?

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Queer is sometimes used to express that sexuality and gender can be complicated, change over time, and might not fit neatly into either/or identities, like male or female, gay or straight. Moreover, queer is a word that clarifies that I’m not straight and ties me to the larger queer community, but it doesn’t categorize me as gay. All in all, queer could used to describe an individual who is not heterosexual.

I think that being Queer means knowing that we fit into a "category" of lifestyle that defies a current social norm. Queer is knowing that there will be some people who, when they discover we life in a way that feels comfortable to us, makes them UNcomfortable. When asked what Queer means, I always think to myself "other" -- kind of like when you get a multiple choice exam, and none of the given answers will do. Being Queer is a way of seeing oneself in the world that challenges the status quo, the hierarchy, the patriarchy, and the typical structures that keep our society stuck in a past moment in time.

Well the definition of it is odd or strange. But you shouldn’t really define yourself to be of a person of peculiarity. But in a way it could mean a lot of things. Depending on the context the word is used. So there isn’t really an exact answer I must say cause there could be a lot, depending on opinions. But if someone is queer it doesn’t necessarily mean there an outsider but a person with different tastes. I may not be a person to acquire this answer to its full potential but this is what I have insight on.

In the modern sense, queer is used as an umbrella term for people who either have a non-straight sexual identity, a non-binary or trans gender identity, or a combination of any of those things. It is the ‘Q’ in LGBTQ+.The queer community is the community of people who do not identify as cis and/or hetero. Queer is a flexible term, which means different things to different people.The queer community is the community of people who do not identify as cis and/or hetero. Queer is a flexible term, which means different things to different people.The queer community is the community of people who do not identify as cis and/or hetero. Queer is a flexible term, which means different things to different people.