We have all heard of the LGBTQ+ community. But not everyone knows all the details. So, do you know the definition of queer? If not, here are the details.
If you thought there was only a gay community, you’re wrong. The LGBTQ+ is a community that not only consists of these groups, but its members also support each other. The “Q” stands for queer, which you probably want to know the definition of.
If you’re not in the community, you may have a hard time understanding what each abbreviation really means.
Of course, you probably know what the terms gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender are. However, let’s remind you what they all mean.
Lesbian: Women who partner with other women. You can also use the term gay.
Gay: Men who partner with other men, or women who partner with other women.
Bisexual: Women and men who partner with the same or opposite sex.
Transgender: Women and men whose genders do not fit the one they were given at birth.
Queer: Men and women who don’t identify with mainstream labels.
[Read: Queerplatonic relationship: What it is, and 25 signs you’re in one]
What is the definition of queer?
By the 21st century, the word queer became a term that described a broad spectrum of sexual and gender identities that were outside of the norm. It even became a popular area of study in academics with the advent of Queer Theory and queer studies.
So, the definition of queer is an umbrella term for people who aren’t heterosexual or cisgender. For example, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, or transgender may identify as queer.
Some people might also use the word queer because their sexuality or gender may be complicated, change over time, or not fit into any pre-existing sexual orientations or gender identities. [Read: The different types of gender & why you really need to know them]
They may feel that when they use the word queer, they can connect to the LGBTQIA+ communities without outright having to label their sexual orientation.
Is the word queer an insult?
In the late 19th century, the term was used negatively to refer to homosexuals. The meaning back then was less “accepting” and “fluid” and more “peculiar” or “strange.” So, yes, back then the definition of queer was definitely a slur.
However, beginning in the late 1980s, queer activities such as the members of Queer Nation began to reclaim the word and changed its meaning. [Read: Demisexuality: What it is, 21 demisexual signs & how to connect with one]
They gave the meaning of a provocative and politically radical alternative to branches of the LGBT community.
Today, a lot of people use the word queer to describe their sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, even though some people have reclaimed the word queer and have given it a more positive connotation, other members of the LGBTQIA+ community still view the word as a harmful slur. [Read: Coming out of the closet: What it means & 31 steps to help others accept you]
Because of this, it’s important to ensure that people are alright with the term before you use it to describe them.
Is queer a sexual identity, a gender identity, or a community?
As we mentioned earlier, queer is an umbrella term that covers a lot of ground. It is probably the broadest term in the LGBTQ+ community because it can technically describe anyone within that group.
So, it can describe someone’s sexual or gender identity, but it is also a community as well. It’s all of the above. [Read: Pansexual: What it is, 26 truths, myths & what it feels like to be one]
Which orientations fall under the queer umbrella?
Since the word queer is an umbrella term for anyone who doesn’t identify as heterosexual or cisgender, almost any kind of orientation can fall under the definition of queer.
Here is a list of the orientations and identities that can be considered part of the queer definition.
– Gay
– Bisexual
– Lesbian
– Transgender
– Asexual
– Intersex
The facts and questions regarding the definition of queer
Even though we just gave you the definition of queer, you still may be a little confused about what being queer actually is. That’s understandable because there’s a lot packed into that single word.
If you don’t know, then you don’t know. But it’s about time you learned. So, listen up. It’s not as complicated as you think it is.
1. You can be queer without calling yourself queer
Because it’s still seen as a derogatory term, many people who are actually queer still don’t feel comfortable identifying themselves as such. [Read: Panromantic asexual: What it is, 23 signs, FAQs and ways to recognize them]
Which is perfectly fine. You don’t have to label yourself anything if you don’t want to.
2. What about the pronoun?
If you’re genderqueer, you’re more focused on gender fluidness. Meaning, you aren’t given a chosen pronoun, but rather you choose what pronoun suits you. Of course, that pronoun can change over time: he/she/it, whatever you want.
3. Wait, what’s gender fluidness?
Okay, so gender fluidness means you don’t identify as either male or female. [Read: Sexually fluid: What it means, how it feels & how to make sense of it]
You may feel that you’re more of a mix between the two genders, thus, you don’t need to label yourself either one because you aren’t either/or.
4. This doesn’t change the dating game
Just because you label yourself as queer, it doesn’t mean you are now subjected to dating a specific group of people. Because it’s about gender fluidness, you’re not focused on the gender of your partner.
5. Queer is more than just sexuality
It’s not just about not wanting to be labeled with one sexual orientation. It goes much deeper than that by challenging definitions and forcing change and discussion. [Read: Romantic orientation: The most common ones all of us must know]
6. People associate queerness with sexual deviance
When some people hear the word “queer,” they think about strap-ons, BDSM, and other fetishes.
This probably does happen in queer relationships, but they are not based on sexual deviance. These fetishes are happening in a variety of relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. [Read: 15 ridiculous lesbian myths that you probably still believe]
7. Is dating difficult?
Like anything out of the social norm, it causes difficulty. Now, that doesn’t mean that as a queer person, you’re going to struggle to find a partner.
However, there will be many people who don’t understand what being queer is and may be uncomfortable with it. [Read: Gay dating apps that’ll connect you with a perfect lover for life]
This is just something you’ll have to plow through and be patient with. You need to teach those who don’t understand.
8. There’s an app for that
Don’t you love technology? Many dating sites aren’t queer-friendly because most make you identify with a gender and sexual orientation, which is understandable from a logistical perspective.
However, if you don’t identify as either, what are you supposed to do? Apps like OkCupid, Wing Ma’am, and Her haven’t forgotten about those who identify as queer. [Read: Top 7 gay-friendly vacation hot spots on earth]
9. Being queer removes a stereotype
If you’re homosexual, there seems to be a stereotype that runs strong within the straight community.
We all assume that homosexual men are hair stylists and sassy, which isn’t the case. The term queer is great because there is no mainstream stereotype for being queer.
10. Queer doesn’t mean you’re sex-obsessed
Just because queer people don’t identify with a gender or sexual preference, many assume that they’re just willing to have sex with anyone or anything. [Read: 33 signs to tell if a guy is gay & what to do if your boyfriend is bisexual]
No, being queer doesn’t mean you’re sex-addicted and will grab whoever walks in front of you. Come on, people.
11. The Q can also mean “questioning”
There’s a little more to the Q than you think. The Q can also mean that you’re “questioning.”
So, if you’re unsure where you stand in terms of your sexual orientation or sexual preference, you’re questioning. No need to feel pressure when joining the LGBTQ+ community, it’s all about trying to figure out who you are.
12. You don’t have to move out of the queer zone
Being queer is not some stepping stone to labeling yourself as homosexual or transgender. You can be queer until the day you die. There’s no pressure to identify who you are because you already did. You’re queer and that’s great!
[Read: Ami I gay? 14 signs & secrets you’re not straight & into the same gender]
Whether you’re curious about the definition of queer or you’re questioning where you stand sexually, hopefully, this gave you more knowledge on the subject. If you want to learn more, it’s best to contact your local LGBTQ+ community.
The post Definition of Queer: What the Q in LGBTQ+ Means & Other Must-Know Truths is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.
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