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Tree-Hugger

(3,379 posts)
5. Queer has made a strong comeback
Sun Jan 22, 2023, 08:44 AM
Jan 2023

Queer is an extremely popular word among Gen Z LGBTQIA+ community and is in frequent use by millennials and older folk. Most "older" folks like myself (GenX) in my groups use it. I remember a lot of talk back in the 90s among teens and 20-somethings about taking the word back. Just in my own experience, the show "Queer as Folk" gave a boost to that in the late 90's/early 2000's.

There's a generational divide, but in my day to say life with LGBTQIA+ folks in all age groups, it's an accepted word with positive connotations. I do not see that changing and I don't see the use of that word within the community going away anytime soon.

I think for a lot of younger folk, the understanding and acceptance of sexuality and gender identity along a spectrum has made "queer" an easy word to describe themselves. For instance, rather than constantly breaking down that you are bisexual, gender fluid, and Demisexual you just say "queer." It lacks the stigma that some of us experienced back in the day and I truly do not see the younger set changing in that regard at all.

Summary - I remember when it wasn't a happy word. I remember folks wanting to take the word back. I've watched the generations after my own embrace it and use it fluidly. I personally use "Queer." Just offhand, I can't think of anyone in ny personal life or communities who do not use it these days.

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I'll be interested in LGBTQ DUer's thoughts on this... n/t hlthe2b Jan 2023 #1
Everything I've read/seen/discussed indicates it's mostly generational NullTuples Jan 2023 #12
Lesbian, Lezzie, Dyke, Femme, Queer, Woman Loving Womyn irisblue Jan 2023 #2
I'm straight male, but... Layzeebeaver Jan 2023 #3
It means when he said "we", "I" would've been more suitable. He was making a claim... NullTuples Jan 2023 #11
Fair enough and a good observation Layzeebeaver Jan 2023 #18
I doubt I'd have ever used "queer" because *I* see it as derogatory based on when I was a kid. underpants Jan 2023 #4
Yes, I will never use the term for that reason. But, it is not my hlthe2b Jan 2023 #6
Strange Currencies underpants Jan 2023 #7
I read the name of that game & it took me back. NullTuples Jan 2023 #13
I was called "queerbait" in middle and high school and frequently beaten bloody by bullies. hunter Jan 2023 #16
Queer has made a strong comeback Tree-Hugger Jan 2023 #5
I need to check with my daughter but don't use that word. That being said.... underpants Jan 2023 #8
Historically ... Pete Ross Junior Jan 2023 #9
I wonder if the shame of needing a code word is part of what the younger generations... NullTuples Jan 2023 #14
"Queer" isn't a term I identify with. David__77 Jan 2023 #10
That is correct! Younger people use it as an all-inclusive term that includes neurodiversity... NullTuples Jan 2023 #15
This one is interesting vercetti2021 Jan 2023 #17
Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»LGBT»'Gay' or 'queer'? On Twit...»Reply #5