Queer seems to be the only label that I know fits me. The problem is, I don't like the way that word sounds and most people don't know what it means.
funny, when i was growing up i never heard the word queer used in a "homosexual" way. it was the old meaning something just "off", just not quite "right" or just not level or plumb (vertical) i was maybe 12 or 13 before i heard the "new" meaning that we use today
Sheesh, you're awfully hard on words, y'know. They have feelings, too! I've never liked the word "nerd" but I don't go starting threads about it. But speaking of that, you could label yourself a ChromeNerd, and use it to mean what you are. People still wouldn't know what it meant, but at least you'd like the sound of it (presumably).
I love the way it sounds, and I love to identify as queer. I also kind of like that people don't know what it means. All it means is "ask me more." I can certainly understand not liking it, though. Some people don't like it as a reclaimed word. However, I am still going to refer to "the family" as the queer community, since I mean it in a loving way. And LGBT is a crappy initialism that should die in a fire.
I don't mind when other people use it. It seems to suit some people. I just think it sounds weird when people like me use it. I don't think I can "pull off" that word if you know what I mean.
well, if none of the "labels" fit you may i suggest one that means unique, special, beautiful, that being you, or from your prespective "me"(*hug*):eusa_clap
What do you think it would take you to "pull off" identifying as queer? One of my bisexual friends identifies as queer, and she pretty much looks like your straight, lipstick femme. I'm just curious that you think you can't own it, as if queers are somehow in a different class. I'm not insulted by it. I'm just confused, by the way you're writing, it's as if you don't feel "worthy."
I guess I don't feel worthy. When I hear the word queer I think of someone who is gender non-conforming or active and political. I am none of those things. I'm just a gender conforming friendless nerd.
This is why I LOVE identifying as Queer. It says I am choosing to identify as an un-boxed unique human being. I'm Queer. I don't think everyone needs to identify as Queer. If you don't like it for whatever reason, don't use it for yourself. I don't think that LGBT inherently implies Q.
There is no prerequisite to identifying as queer. This is something I often remind myself. Gender non-comforming or no, if you feel like that's you then you don't need to prove it to anyone. And anyone who thinks you should prove it is wrong and being real rude, so feel free to tell them so
I've always considered it to have a negative connotation, ya know? Homosexual = Queer while Heterosexual = Straight. It makes it seem like gay is strange and hetero is fine. I don't really care when people use it, but I just don't use it myself nor do I care for it heheh.
I wouldn't use it either as I come from Ok, where the word is used as an insult more than anything else.
Ugh. I don't want to be "queer", I want to be myself. Besides, "queer" is such a vague term. And it used to be an insult, at that!
The vagueness is why I like it actually. I use queer for my sexual orientation because it does not assume the gender identity or gender expression of myself or the people I'm attracted to.
I kind of like the vagueness as well. I kind of want to identify as "gay", but I'm constantly worried about also being attracted to guys. If I could identify as queer I probably wouldn't worry as much about whether I like guys or not.
You can just say you're "questioning." Unlike queer, it's not used as a slur and it still gets the point across.
Well, not all people who are questioning turn out to be straight. I don't know what else to tell you.
That's assuming it only deals with sexuality, specifically, homosexuality, which is quite a limited and biased way of looking at it. One of the things I like about the word is just how much breadth it has; it can be applied to gender, expression, sexuality, and a number of other facets. There's no prerequisite to using the word, really. I use it, partially, because it's considered offensive by some, and as a way of taking a stand and reclaiming something once derogatory. Above all, I'm not ashamed to say I'm a little different or "weird". :lol:
But 'questioning' implies that you're asking questions about what your orientation/gender identity is, that you're moving towards it or trying to understand it but that you're not there yet, not in a settled orientation/gender identity. I don't think it quite means the same thing as queer, and using it that way would probably just confuse people. I don't use 'queer' about myself, because gay seems to work just fine for me, but I do use it instead of LGBT/LGBTQ/LGBTQ+ because that way you don't constantly have to add new letters! It's all-inclusive.
