Academic disciplines such as queer theory and queer studies have emerged to examine a wide variety of issues, either informed by this type of perspective, or to examine the lives of LGBTQ people.

While the noun queer is used as a neutral or positive self-descriptor, it has a long history of pejorative use and is likely to be considered offensive when used by someone who does not identify as queer.

Queer is an expansive term used by some LGBTQ people to describe their sexuality, gender identity or both. It may be preferred by those who find other terms like “gay” or “bisexual” too...

Jun 13, 2023 · The word queer is often used more generally to refer to a person who has a sexual identity that isn’t heterosexual or a gender identity that isn’t cisgender. Queer is used as a reclaimed …

The word "queer" has been used as a slur against LGBTQIA+ people, possibly due to its original meaning, listed in the Etymology section of this article. Although it has since been reclaimed by …

Jun 3, 2025 · The word 'queer' has a long, sometimes painful history for the LGBTQ+ community. Read on about what queer means, why it became a slur and who can use it today.

Jun 16, 2025 · "Queer" is used by more people — and more variously defined — than ever before. We asked nine LGBTQ+ people what the divisive, liberating word means to them.