What does the word "queer" mean?

Article by Sara Schmidt-Kost* published on the website My Kid is Gay (United States), freely translated by Stefania Solivardi

"Queer" It is a term an offensive time, today re -appropriately re -appropriately used, which is used to define all those sexual orientations and/or gender identities that do not fall into the definitions of heterosexual and/or cisgender. It can also be used as an all -inclusive and inclusive term for LGBTQIA people: for example, we talk about queer theory, Queer literature and Queer studies.

Explanation

It is not easy to define the term “queer”, because it is very large and has different definitions for several people. It is a term umbrella that includes many identities of the LGBTQIA community, a personal identity and an academic term, all in one word. It can even be a denigration and offensive term, if used with that intention. At the academic level, “queer” It is also used as a very large umbrella term to define the area of ​​studies on the LGBTQIA community, especially in the context of queer studies or in queer literature lessons.

In the acronym LGBTQIA, The Q It can have two meanings: “queer” and "Questioning". Both meanings of the Q are important for our community. They are wide and inclusive, and consequently meet the needs of all those people who do not identify themselves as gay, lesbians, bisexuals or transgender, or who still do not know how to identify exactly.

The word "Queer" He brings with him a long story. Over the centuries, it has gone from wanting to say misalline, non -straight, strange and peculiar to define an important identity in our community. It was also used as a denigration term, and in fact, in the 1950s and 1960s, LGBT people perceived it only as an insult used by heterosexual people against them. During the AIDS epidemic, in the 80s, the term “queer” It has been re -appropriated by some activists who proposed it as a radical, provocative, rebellious and rich in political charge. In those years, activists needed a word that worked as a reference to weapons for the masses. From this need is the famous phrase We're here, we're queer...

During the 90s, the word “queer” He began to enter the studies, theories and literature of the LGBTQA community as an academic term, and has become increasingly common use. It was even used in culture pop, as in the case of the TV series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".

When using the term “queer”It is important to take the context into consideration. "Queer"It has been and continues to be used as an insult: if anyone screams "Queer!" to an LGBT person or says "Mamma mia, what a queer", it is a disparaging context, but if someone says "I identify myself as a queer"Then the term becomes an identity marker.

The company tends to divide everything into categories and rigid definitions: male, female, gay, lesbian, straight, black, white, etc. "Queer" It is not part of any category: it is flexible, large and impactful. He has a radical history that has guaranteed him the validity he has as identity today. It is still seen as a denigration word by some, that's why saying that he has a queer identity can still be considered as an act of radical courage.

Queer identity can be something very personal. While identity like gay and lesbian they are quite easy to define, "Queer" It is not. "Queer" It assumes the meaning that it is given to him by each individual. Queer is for you, for them, for us. Queer is for queer people.

If your child comes out as queer, don't take for granted the meaning that he gives this word. Queer identity is so personal that, often, it has different meanings for different people. Always encourage open heart communication, and let yourself be guided by him. If you feel the need, ask questions!

* Sara Schmidt-Kost is an openly queer educator who lives in Minneapolis, in Minnesota. For five years it was leader of LGBT school organizations at St. Cloud State University, where she graduated in social studies for secondary school. Today, Sara is co-organization of after-school events and curriculars of LGBTQ groups at the middle school where she works, and is grateful for the opportunity to support her students and students in their growth towards becoming perfectly integrated adults. He also created a training seminar on the problems of LGBT people in schools, and presented it to groups of teachers of social studies, to other educators and students.

Original text: Defining: Queer