“Queer” has always been a word that I’ve never been comfortable using, or saying. Part of it had to do with not understanding what the word really meant, and part of it had to do with me not wanting to offend anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. As someone who identifies as straight, it can be uncomfortable and maybe even a little awkward saying a word that we might not personally identify with. But even though, this word does not resonate with me personally, I know it does for many LGBTQ+ individuals. I learned that as good allies, we need to support the LGBTQ+ community in anyway that we can. Instead of being afraid of this word, we should embrace it like many others have in the LGBTQ+ community. With this blog, I hope to provide an in-depth look into the history of “queer” and explain why it is I say yes to queer!
To start off, let’s discuss the history behind the word “queer” and how it got to where it is now. The word “queer” started out as a derogatory term in the early 1900s, it was used to vilify gay men for being “too feminine” and lesbian women for being “too manly”. According to Jenna Wortham in her article for The New York Times, “homosexuality was classified as a mental illness and made punishable by law, the word snowballed into a full-blown slur, heard everywhere from the playground” (NYT). It wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s when the word “queer” started to have a whole new meaning. Donald Hall in his book Queer Theories discusses how “queer” was reclaimed by “Queer Nation and others as an umbrella term to celebrate, rather than castigate” (54). The start of the AIDS epidemic was when protesters and advocacy groups turned a word that was once used to hurt them into a word that unites the LGBT community. Protestors and activist were heard chanting “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it” (New York Times). Marissa Higgins in her article “Is The Word ‘Queer’ offensive” points out that, “many people are making an effort to reclaim the word queer, arguing that the word is [becoming] more inclusive” (Bustle). Today, people in the LGBT community are using “queer” as a way to reject societal norms and to challenge the binary categories of gender and sexual orientation. “Queer” is also described as being the umbrella term that will be “broad enough to cover diverse experiences” (Newsweek). This time period was extremely significant for the LGBTQ+ community because they were able to transform a word that had negative connotations into a word that shows absolute defiance and pride.
However, it is important to keep in mind that there are still others who consider this word offensive. Higgins notes, “therein, many people who are middle-aged or older have some strong negative associations with the word, particularly because of bullying and harassment at school” (Bustle). The journey to reclaim “queer” was a long history filled with hatred and torment as individuals from the LGBT community were constantly targeted for their sexuality. Although many are choosing to embrace “queer”, it has not been socially accepted across the entire LGBT community. There are still others within this community that believe by reclaiming this word, “it will only reinforce this cycle of abuse” (The University Times). Furthermore, another issue that has come up about the reclamation of “queer” is whether or not it is actually inclusive. According to Lauren Guy, “the word ‘queer often denotes gay men and lesbians whilst excluding bisexuals, transgendered…” (The University Times). The journey to reclaim “queer” has not been an easy one, reclaiming a word as problematic as “queer” does require the LGBTQ+ community to resolve and address lingering issues. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that reclaiming “queer” doesn’t mean disregarding the experiences of others, but it is a way to build strength and unity through a word that was once so hateful.
Whether or not we should reappropriate “queer” will always be an ongoing discussion and topic within the LGBTQ+ community. Yes, this word had a negative history, but it has also had a positive one too. With the word “queer”, it allows members of the LGBTQ+ community to unite under one term and celebrate who they are without being put into categories or boxes. The history of the word “queer” is truly a powerful and beautiful one because protestors came together to fight for LGBT rights. Although the word “queer” will remain a subject that divides the LGBT+ community, I believe that the future of “queer” shines brightly. Many LGBTQ+ members have already embraced it, so why shouldn’t we? Why not say yes to queer?
You definitely are not the only one. In discussing this class with some of my peers some were not comfortable with using the term themselves and thought it was a word only the LGBTQIA+ community was to use. I think this is an interesting thing to talk about-that even though queer theory has been around for a bit some are still not familiar with the fact that it is ok to use the word.
ReplyDeleteIt is, as we've been discussing in class, okay to be cautious, especially when using the term in relation to other individuals. But to talk about the queer community, even as straight allies, is becoming more and more common, and if you're feeling comfortable, based on your knowledge and own position, it's something to try out when it feels/seems right.
DeleteThank you, Laura, for a compelling post about why the term queer could and should be embraced, not only by LGBTQIA+ folks but also our allies. I especially appreciate your use of some of the historical material we've been reading to help you convince yourself and your readers about the value of this word. And you're also right to encourage us to continue to be vigilant to make sure that the spirit of inclusiveness that so many saw and see in the term, especially in the early to mid-1990s continues to be true as we embrace additional identities and more fluid ways of being. Please see my comments on the rubric and my feedback in WorldClass for more of my evaluation.
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