What are your thoughts on Queer?

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My Thoughts on "Queer"

Cody J. Shafer

University of Iowa

GLBTAU Executive Board Member 2006-2008

Johnson County Public Health

Momentum Coordinator 2007-Present

The Question: I was recently asked the question "What are your
thoughts on queer?"

This question was somewhat surprising to me, as I had never heard it before. I have, indeed, studied the topic and answered questions regarding the word's connotations in mass culture, though I have never faced the issue in an academic nature. Below is my process of thought in regards to the question at hand.

Definition: Dictionaries of our time give a number of solid definitions for the word

"Queer." These range from the word strange to a questionable nature of character and include feelings of physical instability, mental derangement, bad, homosexual, effeminate, unmanly, and worthless.

Examination:

The word itself is, most would assume, defined by the standards of society that are listed in the definitions of diction found above. However, one must always keep in mind that words, especially those that are used by the larger population to label a subcategory of thispopulation, are transient in nature. For example, the word "Nigger" while coined by the white ruling class of yesteryear to negate the standing of African American citizens has transcended its coined
meaning in recent history to be reclaimed by members of the oppressed class. This reclamation serves multiple purposes in our society.

In regards to the word Queer this reclamation has been fairly recent. In some cases the word has come to represent an umbrella term for the LBGT community. In other instances it has become another class in and of itself that is conjoined with said community. This reclamation has culminated in a few key events.

First, individuals will now claim the label of Queer. This classification is transient. It does not have one solid representation regarding sexuality but rather signals that the person who claims it does not feel as if they fit into a typically constructed social category of normalcy. This is a wonderful thing; this allows citizens to say that they are simply "queer", that they are not socially defined, and that they are proud of this definitive lack.

Secondly, as a movement in solid foundation, academic departments have begun to study what they will call "Queer Studies". This is the study of all things that fall outside of the socially constructed boxes of sexuality norms. The mere fact that scholars and academics are taking up this issue, under this name, recognizes that there is "abnormalities" but recognizes further that these abnormalities are fantastic, they are proud, and that they are here to stay.

In conclusion to these thoughts, or rather these facts that I have given above, I would like to offer my own opinion on the nature of this context. The world has, for far too long, been founded on these ideas of social normalcy. The millennial generation has decided, proactively, that this is no longer acceptable. We recognize that there are variations to the standard norm and we revel in the idea that the world may, one day, abandon these outdated and stale ideologies. So yes, indeed, the word Queer does signal something abnormal but the world is changing and abnormal is no longer a shameful tag, it has transcended that meaning and evolved into the fantastic signal that we are not normal, we are not standard. We are unique, we are exceptional, we live outside of the social constructs of yesteryear, and we are proud to cross these lines that are so
loudly crying for an eraser.

My recommendation is this; do not fear the queer, revel in its awesome power. Take the word and possess it, own it, and use it to your personal advantage. Be proud of our differences, recognize the differences in others, and push yourself to own these differences. Furthermore, do not fear the social backlash to this ownership; the world changes with abrasive natures – be abrasive, be powerful, be different, be abnormal, be QUEER!


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