Queer
Definition and Etymology
The term "queer" is a broad, inclusive term used to describe sexual and gender identities that fall outside of heterosexual and cisgender norms. The term originated from the German word "quer", which means "across" or "at a right angle". In English, "queer" was initially used to describe something strange or peculiar. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it began to be used as a derogatory term for individuals who were perceived to be sexually deviant. In the late 20th century, the term was reclaimed by activists and academics within the LGBTQ+ community and has since been used as an umbrella term for a diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities.
History
The history of the term "queer" is intertwined with the history of sexual orientation and gender identity. The term "queer" was first used in a sexual context in the late 19th century, as a derogatory term for men who were attracted to other men. However, the term was reclaimed in the late 20th century by activists and academics who sought to challenge heteronormative and cisnormative societal norms. This reclamation was part of a broader social and political movement that sought to challenge and deconstruct traditional understandings of gender and sexuality.
Queer Theory
Queer theory is a field of critical theory that emerged in the early 1990s out of the fields of queer studies and women's studies. Queer theory challenges the notion that gender and sexuality are fixed categories, arguing instead that they are socially and culturally constructed. Queer theorists often focus on challenging normative structures and categories, questioning the ways in which society constructs and enforces norms of gender and sexuality.
Queer Culture
Queer culture refers to the shared experiences, practices, and values of individuals who identify as queer. This includes a wide range of cultural expressions, including literature, film, music, and art, as well as social practices and rituals. Queer culture often challenges and subverts mainstream cultural norms, offering alternative ways of understanding and expressing gender and sexuality.
Queer Politics
Queer politics refers to the political activism and advocacy of individuals and groups within the queer community. This includes efforts to secure legal and social recognition and rights for queer individuals, as well as efforts to challenge and deconstruct heteronormative and cisnormative societal norms. Queer politics often intersects with other forms of social and political activism, including feminism, anti-racism, and disability rights activism.