Queer vs. GayWhy queer? Why not Gay or GLBT or LGBTQ? Why use a term that to many
seems to have such a pejorative history. Simple --- because it works
best. The word queer, used in its non-pejorative sense, is both
powerful and freeing. It unites and challenges. And it tears down
and rebuilds. So much in a word you say!
Yes. The word gay is far too limiting; in today's lexicon it refers to
gay men, and by that association, excludes lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender
persons. The acronym GLBT, or is it LGBT, is much too cumbersome and when
used in conversation is too blah --- there's nothing to it --- it's much too
safe. But today's use of the word queer
is truly collective; it embraces all gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and
transgender persons and yes those who are questioning. In one word we
become unified as a class of people.
To many the word queer still carries
with it such a pejorative understanding that when heard it challenges them to
face their own feelings, as well as, challenging others to confront their own
homophobia. And it challenges our own understanding of community and
inclusiveness. These challenges help to tear down people's misconceptions of
who we are as a class of people, as a community, and as individuals and to help
build a better understanding, acceptance of all.
Queer is no longer a condemnation, a curse, or an insult. It is a label
that we should wear proudly as a people. We should let our queer voices
be heard.
Straight vs. Hetero
Just to be fair and balance let me take a moment to write about another word. A
word I find both offensive and pejorative. That word is straight and
when used in the historical context for heterosexual it delineates those who go
by the straight and narrow way (morally straight) as opposed to those who do
not (queers).
Please --- there is nothing about being a heterosexual that assures a person of
being morally straight, just like being queer means that one can not be virtuous. Queers have the
capacity to be as morally straight as any heterosexuals and as such we should
refrain from calling them straight; rather we should refer to them as heteros. A direct and simple
referral to who they are, nothing more, nothing less. Never breeder, this is both pejorative and
divisive for the larger human community.
_______________________________________________________ |
