Why did we choose this and what does it mean to us?

The LGBTQ community does not always agree on what terms they prefer and which ones they find derogatory. Recently it seems that we are reclaiming the terms that once were applied to us as insults. As our attitudes to these terms change so do their definitions. For our straight allies this can be quite confusing. Generally speaking most LGBTQ communities are accepting of most of the terms when used by “family.” Outside of the community is where this gets a little trickier. So what does queer really mean - how does our community feel about the term? And maybe more importantly, how do we use these terms appropriately and positively?

For Be Yr Own Queero we used queer because it is an all-encompassing term that represents all of the identities in the LGBTQ community. An important aspect of the term queer is that it doesn’t apply a specific label. The usage of the term queer in place of lesbian, transgendered, etc. could be compared to using the term partner to refer to one’s significant other. It doesn’t imply too much and is therefor less offensive to more people. The straight community could take advantage of using the term queer because of its current political correctness and avoid being potentially offensive.

There is however disagreement within the community on this view of queer. I recently read “Queer as White Folk,” a piece by Keith Boykin, who is African American. The article explains that queer is not a term used by the African American community. He says, ” the word ‘queer’ is just as white as the television show that bears its name.” So maybe its not a perfect term, but then again what is? Although I understand Keith’s point that queer may not be a completely inclusive term, I believe it is less offensive and more versatile than other terms. Throughout our community we should focus our energy on doing more positive actions that celebrate our diversity. We should also constantly remember what unifies us, our struggle for equality.

I think the dialogue should continue, especially with the straight community because there are many other terms to that should be examined. It is important to ask people what they feel comfortable with. I was very surprised when I had a co-worker ask me recently if it offended me if he used the term ‘straight’ to imply that something was good or okay. I sincerely thanked him, and realized that I myself had overlooked my own personal use of straight in the context that it was synonymous with good. So lets talk about it…