To Queer or Not to Queer- Maddy Tyma

 The word “queer” with its new and reclaimed definition should most certainly be used by the LGBTQIA+ community. Once used as an insult or a slur, it has been taken back to have a very nuanced and powerful meaning within the community. The beauty of the word is also that it does not have one single meaning but multiple. Foucault wrote, “Queer is by definition whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominant.” He goes on to say that it doesn’t meant anything in particular. I interpret this to mean it can be applied in many different ways include different things. Nadia Cho, a contributor to Huffpost wrote a beautiful piece called “Being Queer Means…”(Article)where she outlines the many definitions and explanations of the word. She explains that being queer means being accepting of our differences, being aware of how strong gender binaries can be and how we should challenge them, that we must continuously challenge the norm. The word queer helps break barriers that may have existed for example between the gay and lesbian movements, or between gay movements and transgender movements. It is a way of uniting many of these groups. For this reason I think it is extremely appropriate for the LGBTQIA+ community to use the word. It is uniting, all-encompassing but also unique and powerful to use to define oneself.

There is much to gain from using this word within the community. First, it unites people who fall under the many definitions of queer. This may provide for a unified movement to help gain strength and momentum. It may also be a way to inform those who identify differently (while still under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella) about issues that are specific to different people. For example, with a unified queer movement, individuals who identify as gay might gain a more comprehensive understanding of what it’s like to be transgender through dialogue and other means. A unified queer movement does not mean that everyone who identifies as queer is the same but in talking about many different issues more folks in the LGBTQIA+ community might understand those under that umbrella that struggle with other things they might not. It also might highlight similarities and provide a space for dialogue in that regard. The use of the word also allows for acceptance within the community. Although issues of gender and sexuality are different, a queer movement may allow those who are aligned with movements of sexuality to accept those who align with movements related to gender. It allows for more acceptance of those that may not be going through the same as you.

Another thing to be gained from the Queer movement is challenging norms. Although issues facing queer folks are not the same, they have all likely been pinned up against norms and hurt by them. A queer movement can shed light on how norms, heteronormativity and binaries can be harmful to everyone. In her work, Imitation and Gender Insubordination, Judith Butler argues that heterosexuality is hurting everyone and it will always ultimately fail. We are always aiming to reach a bar that we will not touch because the ideals that are presented by heteronormativity are impossible to reach. It hurts us all, it hurts those that may not identify as straight or cisgender especially but it can hurt those folks too. A queer movement can help bring acceptance for people as they are no matter what their gender expression, sexual attraction, race, socio-economic status is and more.

Some might argue that the use of the word is problematic because it is defined as different or not the norm. It could make a separation between those who identify as straight or cis and those who fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella except for the history of queer theory. It has a strong message of acceptance and has a reputation for this. Therefore I think the risk of it being problematic is low.

One problem with the accepted use of the word queer might be that we lose focus on work that still needs to be done in the movement. In an article for Huffpost, Colin Walmsley (Article) outlines the issue well. He calls for the movement not to gain momentum just because pride parades have become huge and same sex marriage has been legalized. If the word queer becomes more mainstream will we think our work is done and forget that trans women of color are one of the most targeted groups within the LGBTQIA+ community? As some of us forget that racism is not over, it has not been eradicated from our society because we are desegregated or for other reasons, we cannot forget that there is still work to be done and people to protect within the queer community. If the movement remains dynamic and one of constant social change and reform, then absolutely it is a word that the community should use and celebrate.