Is “Queer” a Slur? A Look at Its History and Reclamation

Where Did the Word “Queer” Come From?

The word queer has been around for centuries. Originally, it simply meant something different or unusual. You might still hear older generations use it in that way—think “That’s a queer situation”. It’s not a common usage anymore, but you’ll still find it in historical contexts, maybe even in period dramas like Downton Abbey.

When Did “Queer” Become a Slur?

At the turn of the 20th century, the meaning of queer shifted. It started being used to describe people who were perceived as different—not just in general, but specifically in terms of sexuality. If someone was suspected of being gay or lesbian, they might be labeled as queer—and not in a kind way.

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, queer was often hurled at us as an insult. It was used to police gender expression, to mock, and to degrade. But, like many slurs, something interesting happened: the community it was meant to hurt started reclaiming it.

Reclaiming Queer: A Community Takes It Back

By the late 20th century, LGBTQ+ activists began using queer as a way to resist the shame and stigma that had been attached to it. Instead of letting it be a weapon, they turned it into a banner of empowerment:

• Queer liberation

• Queer rights

• Queer community

It became an umbrella term that included everyone under the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum, especially those who didn’t fit neatly into categories like “gay” or “lesbian.”

Why Some People Still Don’t Like the Word

Even though queer has been reclaimed by many, not everyone in the community embraces it. For some, it’s still a painful reminder of bullying, discrimination, or violence. If someone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community says they don’t like the word, that’s completely valid.

Personally, I love the word. For me, queer is a term that encompasses both my sexuality and my gender. Instead of saying, “I’m gay, but also kind of questioning, and I’m non-binary,” I can simply say, “I’m queer.” It’s an identity, but it’s also a journey—one of self-discovery, resilience, and pride.

The Bottom Line: Respect Individual Experiences

At the end of the day, queer means different things to different people. Some embrace it, some avoid it, and both choices are valid. The best thing we can do is listen and respect how each person wants to identify.

If someone says, “I don’t like being called queer,” then don’t call them that. But that doesn’t mean the word itself is bad—it just means language, like identity, is deeply personal.