The Word Queer and Why I Use It

When they use something against you, sometimes it becomes a weapon against them.

Photo by Isi Parente on Unsplash

I’ve seen the posts. I’ve seen the people. “Don’t call me queer!” “Queer is a slur!” and more. They are especially prevalent when posting something with the word “queer” in it, and people jump on the post to get their self-righteous thoughts out there for the world to see.

So let’s look at the history behind the word queer (citations at the end).

Early Use

In the 16th century, “Queer” entered the English language. At this time it meant something was strange, odd, or peculiar. This could also be used as a way to describe anything that deviated from the normal way of things. So, many people would use it to describe things like the weather doing something strange, or a person who might just not fit the societal standards of the time.

Changes Start Happening

In the 19th century, in the latter part, it started to be used by people in a colloquial way and often pejorative way to refer to men who were perceived as homosexual. Let’s think about this transition, why don’t we? The word originally could be used to describe things that deviated from the expected or the normal. In a heavily Christian world, where people followed the laws from the Bible before they followed the laws of the land, it was thought of that homosexuality was a deviation from the norm, and because of the fact that this deviation was loudly said to be against said Bible, it became associated with the idea of homosexuality. Linguistically, this makes sense, of course, and if you know anything about language, you know that it is always shifting and changing.

As a Slur

The early to mid-20th century brought about the use of “Queer” as a slur. Again, as we look at the evolution of language, this makes sense that it would become derogatory. With the backing of the primarily Christian world behind them, people would make statements that homosexuals and other people who fell under the LGBTQ+ umbrella were deviants in society, thus the connection with the word queer that used to indicate “deviation from a norm.” If we put our minds to it, we can see how this changed and evolved, as I said, which is something the languages of all peoples do. It became a weapon to be used against us, one that bludgeoned many people over those years.

The AIDS Crisis

Then, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the AIDS crisis was a huge issue for everyone. There was a lot of frustration, growing every day, with the mainstream gay politics. Activists began the process of reclaiming the word as a term of defiance to those that would use it against them. They chose not to let the weapon hurt them; instead they picked it up and turned it against those trying to hurt them with it. It became a term of pride for the people that used it.

Linguistically, this, too, makes sense. It is certainly not the only time in history someone has reclaimed a word used against them, but that’s an entirely different post.

At the time, Queer Nation used it to challenge the idea that LGBTQ+ people needed to assimilate and look “normal” (read heteronormative and cisnormative). It became a more radical and much more intersectional identity. People started using “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it!” as a way to relay their feelings of pride in the word.

Today’s Usage

Today, due to these events, “queer” is used as an umbrella term for anyone not heterosexual or cisgender. Many appreciate it’s inclusivity (no need to add letters to the acronym to include everyone), it’s fluidity (someone changes their sexual orientation or comes out as trans, the word still covers their identity), and there’s a sharp political edge to it. Many people find it much more comfortable than having different labels for every aspect of their identity, and those who reject most labels altogether. For some, it is a matter of ease, while for others it is refusal to put specific labels on themselves.

Queer is also used in academia such as in queer theory, a subject that critiques normativity and looks to explore the intersections of the aspects of gender, sexuality, race, and power in everyday life.

Controversial Nature

Of course, there are those that are older members of the LGBTQ+ community who were subject to violence and hate in association with “queer” and most likely will never be able to bring themselves to reclaim the word and the power that can come with wielding a weapon against those trying to hurt you. And that is perfectly fine; there is no reason someone who is not comfortable with the word should use it for themselves.

However, no one has the right to tell others they cannot use it, either. For some of us, it means more than anything we can come up with today because it is being reclaimed. Because we’ve picked up the weapon that was once used against us. And we’re the ones in control of it now.

Queer can be empowering. Queer came be emboldening. Queer can be powerful. It all depends on how it is used, just like any word that exists today. With enough venom, the word “person” can become a slur, and it is important to understand that words can always be used as weapons. We MUST take steps to take the power away from those that would use those words against us. And sometimes, the best way is to take the weapon and use it for ourselves.

Citations

Reviled, reclaimed and respected: the history of the word ‘queer’ – The Conversation

• Offers a nuanced overview of the term’s shifting meanings from the 16th century to today.

• Includes examples from the Oxford English Dictionary and historical uses in literature and activism.

The History and Reclamation of Queer – A Jaded Gay

• Focuses on the term’s transformation from slur to symbol of pride, especially during the AIDS crisis and the rise of Queer Nation.

The History of the Word ‘Queer’ – La Trobe University

• Written by historian Timothy W. Jones, this piece traces the term’s cultural and political significance across decades.