Aloyon, Jhen Nina Grace C.

X- Turquoise

Expanded Definition of Queer

The "Q" in LGBTQIA+ and similar acronyms commonly means Queer. Queer is used as an
adjective used by people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. Some people
may use queer, or genderqueer, to describe their gender identity and/or gender expression.
They use the term "queer" because their sexuality or gender is complex, changes over time, or
does not fit into any of the pre-existing sexual orientations or gender identities.
Originating in Scottish in the 1500s, queer originally meant "strange," "odd," "peculiar,"
or "eccentric." In 1781, it grew to meant "appearing, feeling, or behaving otherwise than is
usual". It began to be associated with homosexuality in 1922 as an adjective, and a noun in
1935.
According to one 2020 article, some people may refer to themselves as queer because
they find that preexisting sexual orientations or gender identities do not fit them. They may
believe that by using the term "queer," they can interact with LGBTQIA+ communities without
explicitly labeling their sexual orientation or gender identity. Queer, once a derogatory term,
has been reclaimed by some LGBTQ persons to define themselves; nonetheless, even within the
LGBTQ community, it is not universally embraced.
In the early 2000s, there was a transition in the LGBT community, as queer
identification became increasingly connected with a radical political stance, especially when it
was reclaimed by queer people of color, gender non-conforming persons, and others whose
very presence questioned established norms. Some people are opposed to the term queer
being used as an umbrella term since it has been used to divide the LGBTQIA+ community
based on political beliefs, gender, age, class, and other key criteria. As a result, some people
might still find it offensive. Even though some people have reclaimed this word, other
LGBTQIA+ community members still view “queer” as a harmful slur.
Today, the word “queer” is a way for us to create space for those who have been
othered by the LGBTQ+ rights movement, by social norms and customs, and by outdated
notions of gender. Depending on whom you ask, there are a million conflicting meanings for the
word. Many still see it as a degrading slur. Many others embrace it with pride.
That said, some people may still see it as a slur, so it is important to make sure that a
person is OK with the word before using it to describe them.