Queer

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Queer

Hear this word Queer

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Two hands hold up flags striped with black, light blue, dark blue, pale green, white, yellow, deep pink, and rose pink. Two of four hands below hold up the first two fingers to create Vs, and all wear bracelets in the order of colors on the flags.

Image description: Queer pride flags

 

What Is It? Illustration

What Is It?

Queer is a word that can describe a person's gender identity or sexual orientation. Some people who identify with and use the word queer to describe themselves might also use words represented by the term LGBTQIA+. Some people who identify with and use the word queer to describe their gender identity or sexual orientation, may also describe their gender identity or sexual orientation as open, inclusive, expansive, or fluid.  

The Q in LGBTQIA+ stands for the word Queer. (The Q also stands for the word Questioning.)

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An Example

Linda uses the word queer to describe her sexual orientation. She feels it is the word that fits best. Linda’s uncle doesn’t understand because when he was young, “queer” was a mean word to say to other people. Linda tells her uncle that lots of people use this word now to describe themselves and who they are attracted to.

In the first of two pictures, one person with light skin and short, pink hair talks to another, who wears a brown shirt and has a gray mustache and hair. The speech bubble reads, “Yes, some people identify as queer.” In the next picture, the pair walk together in a parade, waving rainbow flags.
Queer pride
Group 141 (1)

What to Know

Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.

Sexual Orientation

Gender Identity & Expression

  • The word “queer” has been used in the past to tease or to be mean to people. Nowadays, many people identify with and use the word “queer” to proudly describe their own gender identity or sexual orientation. 
  • We all get to choose the words that we identify with and that best describe our gender identity and sexual orientation. We shouldn’t label others or make assumptions about other people’s sexual orientations or gender identities.
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What did you learn about the word queer? What questions do you have?

To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!

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What questions do you have?

Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.

Real Sexuality Stories about Queer

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Back to the Sexuality Wheel

Learn more about other words related to Gender Identity & Expression, Sexual Orientation

Gender Expression
Heterosexual
Pansexual
Cisgender
Asexual 

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