We’re Here. We’re Queer.
This is about what the word Queer means to me.
The word Queer is being used a lot more now. I began using it last year. There are a lot of different feelings about the word Queer and how it’s being used. I wanted to share why some people may never use the word and why some, myself included, have waited all their lives for the word.
Lots of people will never identify as Queer.
I won’t use this space to educate on the history of the word Queer. I will say the history is available to read about, full of harm and still hurts people til this day. I post frequently about my identities and have had people share their experiences and why they’ll probably never identify as the same. Fredrick Royster (He/Him) commented on my post about my distain for BIPOC, POC, WOC and the like. I wrote on how I will not be speaking for other communities and he graciously shared his experiences below.
Frederick Royster (He/Him) shares why he doesn’t use the word Queer.
I will never be able to speak the same of the word as he does but knowing these experiences exist is how I am able to make space for those who feel differently about the word.
I’ve been Queer my entire life.
I never got the chance to “come out” because I’ve always been me. I shared a lot about my thoughts on “coming out” and my journey on Chris Angel (they/them) Murphy’s podcast Allyship Is A Verb. Last year, I used the word Queer for the first time publicly to describe myself because I was assumed an ally. For me Queerness is the ability to move freely outside of the boxes they’d like to put us in. It’s permission to love and be loved exactly as you are. I have been Queer my entire life!
Ra Ra Rollins (He/Him/His) made an amazing video and blog post describing his identities of gay AND Queer.
Ra Ra Rollins (He/Him/His) made an amazing video and blog post describing his identities of gay AND Queer.
He made it very clear that they are both in all spaces and that their Queerness has nothing to do with his sexuality.
I am Queer AND!
I am still defining my sexuality “and” under the rainbow but I’m still Queer. There are people who may never find their “and” under the rainbow but they’re still Queer. Queerness doesn’t owe you anything and those who identify as Queer definitely don’t owe you more than they’ve already given.
Thank you for reading through! Hi, I’m K Mataōtama Strohl (They/Them). I’d love to be able to continue to share stories like this but I need your help to be able to do so. Please visit my Ko-Fi page to tip what you can and gain access to my other work. You can learn more about me and my work at the link below.
