What ‘Queer’ means today
The Queer Student Awards, taking place virtually on 1st July, will embrace the way young people today are increasingly choosing to identify with themselves and each other. Part of this been a reclamation of the word ‘Queer’ - historically used as a homophobic slur, and understandably triggering for many who belong to the LGBTQ+ community - is in the process of being reclaimed by students as a way to express their identity, positively.
The Queer community draws upon a kaleidoscope of characters – diverse worlds of pop culture, film, activism and academia – with inclusion at the heart of the stories told. Queer culture explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do, and how culture can shift our perspective of what’s ‘normal’. By embracing the way young people identify with themselves and each other, we can all start seeing things more 'queerly’.
We asked some of the QSA judges what the word Queer means to them:
For me the word Queer is a reminder that no matter which letter of the LGBTQ+ acronym we may be we are stronger together. Queer enables us to identify with each other and better support and uplift one another. When it comes to being Queer there are few rules to follow but many hetero and binary expectations to disrupt.
Mufseen Miah
I knew I was attracted to people, regardless of their gender, since a young age. When I first heard of being bisexual, it was like a light have flicked on and I was so excited that I finally had a word to define me. However, after coming out at the age of 14/15, I experienced a lot of biphobia/bierasure, especially the older I got. People questioning my sexuality, by asking for in-depth details about my sexual relations - "oh you're not really bi if you haven't been with a woman yet." for example. Lots of people saying it was a phase, or I was somehow doing it for the attention of men. Being constantly told to pick a side, or the continuing "are you just greedy" jokes. Throughout my life, I have felt like my sexualitly is always under question. I'm currently in a long-term relationship with a man, and it's really hard when people constantly dismiss your sexuality because you're in a "straight" relationship. Throughout all of this, I've been continually inspired by other people in the LGBTQ+ community speaking openly and honestly about their sexuality and the struggles that they face - it's made me feel seen. Although I don't identify with the word Queer, it's been empowering to see so many people reclaim this once negative word and make it their own. The power people have had to take back this word and completely identify with it, has helped me to stick by my identifier as bisexual, regardless of the biphobia and bi-erasure I experience. Hopefully, we will come to a point where people can identify how they want, without it being called into question.
Becca Milsom
I used to bristle whenever I heard the word Queer; it made me feel like I was other, strange and abnormal for being gay, and like there was something wrong with me. It’s taken many years but I think that LGBTQ+ people have now reclaimed the word and its meaning to celebrate our differences and love ourselves for who we are without compromise. That makes me feel really happy.
Alan Shannon-Smith
“A beacon of positivity, rather than dividing us”
What are your thoughts around use of the word Queer today? Share them in the comments.