LGBT....QQQ?

Deus Ex Machina

I recently noticed that the familiar initialism L.G.B.T. has been lengthened by a letter: Q, which I believe refers to queer. Is the inclusion the status "queer" a new thing? If so, what prompted this curious little addition, and indeed, to what does queer actually refer? Can one be teh ghey* and also as queer as a nine bob note?

*typo

Freiheit

To be me queer means gender non-conforming,a queering of the gender norms,of expression,in subtle or in major mays. In the past in popular discourse it referred exclusively to homosexuality,I suppose maybe that in itself was seen as a queering of gender norms. It was an insult then but doesn't have to be,only has to be if one views as differening fromt the typical as bad,which of course it doesn't have to be. The term gender queer seems more popular in America but I like it.

I suppose queer can be included under the transgender umbrella too in some cases,if the person identifies as such but many won't. Of course one can be lgb or and queer.

It's new here but it was bedded in the American movement well before it crept upon us here.

Pedant

The "Q" in "LGBTQ" stands for "Questioning", not "Queer".

This people is also for those who are questioning their sexuality and trying to come to terms with it.

In relation to usage the word "queer" by LGBT groups. I think you could view it as being reverse stigmatization. Instead of using the word is a negative light, they want it to be used in a positive light.

Hamhide

I always taught the extra Q was queer..? doesnt it mean Queer as in everyone under the whole ''queer rainbow''?

Freiheit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39oO-jeyThM

It does refer to Queer,as the link provided illustrates,however if for some people it refers to questioning,hey I don't see the problem

Pedant

Hamhide wrote: »

I always taught the extra Q was queer..? doesnt it mean Queer as in everyone under the whole ''queer rainbow''?

It is a not a "Queer" rainbow. The rainbow represents equality and diversity, and doesn't symbolise just one group though it has become to represent that.

wonderfulname

Q is queer in my book, some say questioning but that's illogical to me. It's how I identify because it's gender neutral, neither LGB or T fit although I'm most certainly under that umbrella.

Queer covers everything non binary, with regard gender expression and identity and sexuality, it's a bit of a catch all and means different things to different people and yes it can overlap with the rest of the rainbow, all the pigeon holes do somewhere, though this one probably more so.

There is another usage of queer, as in queer theatre for example, not heteronormative, basically... It's not the usage we're talking about here but it is a well known in fairness and has a lot of history to it that should be at least recognised given the month that's in it.

Annasopra

Do you not know anything the history of the rainbow flag?

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/qq-rb_h.html

Lyaiera

I've realised I quite like the term queer. It's post-sexuality and post-gender, at least to me. I know for a lot of history just meant something a little bit strange, and at some point it meant gay, but now I think it means, "I don't fit into definitions, I am me!" At least that's what it means to the people I talk about such things to.

For ages people have been searching for a categorisation for their sexuality, or their gender, or their whatever... I think a lot of people are reaching a point where they don't want to be categorised. In the infamous (paraphrased) words of Irvine Welsh, "I choose not to choose defnitions, I choose something else."

If the situation ever arises where I have to define what I "am" in the myriad (and I hope some day fullfilled) ways I am "me" then it'd be nice to have a word that defines me but leaves the questioner even more confused than when they asked so I can say, "If you want to find out, you'll just have to get to know me."

And that's what I really think it is: queer is a term for something that doesn't need or want a definition.

baby and crumble

Well I like the term 'queer', because it includes everyone who colours outside the lines... I saw an asexuality group marching in Pride at the weekend, which I thought was great. Some peoPle like to cross dress- tht can come under the queer mantle and gives people a sense of belonging and not being so alone. That can only be a good thing in my opinion.

fillefatale

Its how I identify, and i've always known the Q to be queer, not "questioning" which I feel seems very dismissive of those who identify as being queer.

This is a good blog post on being "queer".

Annasopra

I have a lot of European friends who identify as queer

I asked them; What does it mean to identify as queer rather than as lesbian/gay or bi?

Heres a few answers I got back

It's more radical. And it's means that the person refuses the binary gender system and the heteronormative world.
I think I have a examples for you, which might explain it better. It's a slogan: " If queer is another label, i'm not" (So Queer is against labels, it especially refers to sexual/gender identity/ relationships and the norm of the society)
Identifying as queer means different things for different people.

The problem is that as queer means the rejection of typical labels, queer means different things to different people!

agree! it can mean different things, from defining (or non-defining) your gender, sex and sexual desire. if its conretly meant in the context of sexuality it can refer to different layers of sexuality from to not being attracted to one gender (but not wanting to identify as bi), to refuse gender binary and specific gender roles (this can mean attraction to f.e. people that would pass as men but are not necessarily read as man and or man by "medical" classification), being attracted to a variety of bodies and or a specifi attraction to bodies/people that do not fit in man/woman, female/male, straight/homosexual norm. that also includes no sexual and/or romantic atraction or attraction wthout.

in a broader sense it can also refer to the way people organise their romantic and sexual realtionships, in the way they show affection (or do not show affection at all) and also in terms of sexual practices. there are for example quite a lot of groups identifying as queer BDSM group, challening norms and sexualities within the BDSM subcultures.

for me it refers to a more open approach to sexuality and the interaction with people, meaning to find a balance between recognising discrimination and power relations within society and on the same time challenge categories, perceptions, norms in our minds.

the reasons to identify as queer are very broad and so is the difficulty with the word, as some people use it as an identity and others more as an adjective. + as i have experienced it it is more use in academic groups, radical groups and groups that face several discrimination, f.e. people that feel excluded from a white, male, rich gay movement that claims to represent LGBTIQ people.

thats just the stuff i first thought of, hope this helps!
i can send you some articles/materials if you want (but that depends on the context of the question ;-)

http://vimeo.com/45077681 this was posted today by the green party youth germany (gender council) it's another answer to your question

Deus Ex Machina

mango salsa wrote: »

I have a lot of European friends who identify as queer

I asked them; What does it mean to identify as queer rather than as lesbian/gay or bi?

Heres a few answers I got back

Ah I get it, it's bollocks!

wonderfulname

If I were to paraphrase the above replacing 'it's' with 'you're a' would I find myself infracted? Just wondering...

I often wonder how posters so dismissive of others identities would feel if their own was treated as such...

Annasopra

Deus Ex Machina wrote: »

Ah I get it, it's bollocks!

Yeah - Ok - you obviously didn't understand the warning the other day.

Banned for a week for trolling

1ZRed

Deus Ex Machina wrote: »

Can one be teh ghey* and also as queer as a nine bob note?

mango salsa wrote: »

Yeah - Ok - you obviously didn't understand the warning the other day.

Banned for a week for trolling

Tbh, how did you not cop on straight away?

baby and crumble

1ZRed wrote: »

Tbh, how did you not cop on straight away?

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