Queer

The term is often capitalised when referring to an identity or community, rather than merely a sexual fact (compare the capitalized use of Deaf), a usage some regard as pretentious and elitist.

Among homosexuals, more people identify as gay or lesbian than as "queer". "Queer" is a much more political term and is often used by those who are politically active; by those who strongly reject traditional gender identities; by those who reject sexual identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight; by those who see themselves as oppressed by the heteronormativity of the larger culture; and/or by heterosexuals whose sexual preferences make them a minority (for example, BDSM practitioners).

Many people, however, identify primarily as Queer rather than gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or intersex. Some feel that other labels do not adequately describe their sexual identity and preferences. Many LGBT people believe that using the umbrella term queer is a positive way to reclaim a term that was previously used against them, stripping the term of its power to insult. This usage is becoming increasingly common among youth. It is not always capitalized.

Some queer people identify as such because they feel it empowers them to be themselves on a level that goes beyond the rigid limitations of the traditional binary interpretation of sexual orientation (either homosexual or heterosexual, or bisexual in the middle) and gender identity (male or female). For these people, being queer means throwing such labels and their expectations out the window and just embracing the fact that their sexual identity or practices is simply different from the norm in one or more ways.

Also, combinations can occur, like queer tranny fag, genderqueer and others.

Historically, the term was an epithet for gay men, bordering on profanity. Since the term originated, and in many circumstances persists, as a homophobic slur, and because another common meaning of the word is "strange", many members of sexual minorities do not favour its use.

The term first attained common usage during the 1990s, when it was popularized by the activist group Queer Nation.

See also

• Queer studies as an academic discipline is now established at many universities
• Queercore, formerly called homocore, is underground (indie, punk, etc.) queer music
• Queer Culture
• genderqueer
• taboo
• profanity
• hate speech
• fag
• List of transgender-related topics

• Judith Butler's page at the European Graduate School

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