[Image Description: The inside and outside of a pamphlet with a pink and purple color scheme entitle

[Image Description: The inside and outside of a pamphlet with a pink and purple color scheme entitled “The ‘Queer’ Question” laid out side-by-side. There is a summary, disclaimer, and helpful resources on the first half and sections titled “What is Queer,” “History of the Word,” and “Using it Respectfully” on the second. The text is small and blurry as it is only meant as a preview image to the resource described in this post]The “Queer” Question - Pamphlet #8In this pamphlet, you’ll find examples of what “queer” means, a brief rundown of the term’s history, and a suggestion on how to use it respectfully. As can be seen, the word is not censored and only the post is tagged as “q-slur” to hopefully avoid triggering individuals who have the word blocked on Tumblr.This is probably the most subjective item on Queer Condensed and should be treated as such.Click here to download this and any other resource Queer Condensed has to offer.As always, this resource is free to use for noncommerical ventures as long as credit is given. The original Publisher files can be requested for modification through the ask box. If you download, a reblog or link to this post would be appreciated!Also, links to Tumblr posts that talk about queer identity and the history of the term: Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4The text can be read below the readmore, formatted in the intended reading order. Front PanelThe “Queer” Question, a Condensed GuideProduced by Queer Condensed, queercondensed.tumblr.comVersion 1.0Inside FlapSummaryThe word “queer” has a lot of debates surrounding it. What does it mean? Who can use it? When and where can it be said? When there’s this many questions, sometimes people forget to slow down and explain the controversy and the history of the word. This pamphlet is an introduction to some of the arguments surrounding this controversial word, a brief historical overview, and a suggestion for rules of its use.This topic, more than most, is incredibly subjective and should be taken as such. The ideas expressed are the opinions of Queer Condensed, not the opinions of all queer people.DisclaimerQueer Condensed is meant to be a guide, but in no way is anything in our materials definitive. Queerness and our community is far too subjective and we just don’t have the space. Take what you read as an introduction and maybe check out the provided resources or ask people open to taking questions if you want to know more. Published on July 27th, 2017Leftmost Interior: What is Queer?In LGBTQ+ circles and communities, the proper use of the word “queer” often comes up. There are hundreds of opinion pieces and personal anecdotes on the Internet, all with different takes. But what does the word mean? Why are people so up in arms about it? Well, there’s no simple answer here.One of the problems in defining “queer” is the fact that it means so many different things to different people. Queer can be:· A noun, verb, or adjective· A slur, or offensive word, used against LGBTQ+ people· An identity, with it’s own different definitions· An umbrella term that replaces LGBTQ+· Radical activism relating to LGBTQ+ people and issues· The act of subverting any societal norm, especially with gender and sexuality· A term of empowerment and prideFrom this non-exhaustive list, it’s clear that discussions of when, where, and how “queer” should be used can be very difficult and there is no consensus regarding it.To simplify things, this pamphlet focuses on queer as a slur vs an identity or umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community. This, obviously, doesn’t cover all interpretations of the term and all voices on the matter, but it does help us understand the argument that is most often seen in the LGBTQ+ community surrounding the word.Middle Interior: History of the Word“Queer” existed before being connected to the LGBTQ+ community and originally just meant strange or peculiar. The first known use of the word as an insult was 1894 towards the famously gay Oscar Wilde, and later it became a widespread insult towards anyone perceived to be gay, even if they weren’t.The reclaiming of queer has a long history too. Accounts say that individuals started “taking back” the word and using it for themselves in the 1980’s. An early adopter of the word was the organization Queer Nation in early 1990.The topics that queer theory and studies concerns itself have been around for much longer than the name. The term “queer theory” was coined in the 1990s as well and was adopted by many theorists. Many universities use this term, though others use “LGBT” or “gender and sexuality” as substitutes due to the sensitive nature of the word in certain regions.Reclaiming isn’t universal, though. Plenty of people still have “queer” used as a slur against them and dislike its use to refer to them.Why Do We Use It?The project is called Queer Condensed because A) it’s catchy and B) it’s been reclaimed heavily in the area the creators are from. Most people use queer as an empowering term. Additionally, it’s a useful umbrella term  and feels more broad than saying ‘the LGBTQ+ community.Rightmost Interior: Using it RespectfullyThe use of “queer” is as complex as its definitions. Some use the term broadly and insist that those who disagree aren’t proper parts of the community. Others say that any use of it is hateful. Queer Condensed hopes to show a middle ground.If someone uses queer as an identity, it’s no one’s right to refuse to use it. Queer identity has a long history and it’s endlessly useful. Personal discomfort with the word never outweighs respecting others’ identities.Using it as a broad term is trickier. In general, it’s best to learn about your local community’s feelings and definitions. Some areas have a lot of people using the word, others have a majority that feel hurt by it. Respectfully asking never hurts. Something to keep in mind is that even in places where the word is reclaimed, it’s usually not something for non-LGBTQ+ people to say because the word is rooted in LGBTQ+ oppression and violence.Finally, always keep the feelings of others in mind when using the word outside of an identity. There are often people uncomfortable with the term even when many others have reclaimed it. Respect people who ask you to not use it on them and censor it as “q-slur” if asked.  It’s impossible to know everyone’s experience, so communication is always key.Back Panel: Helpful ResourcesQueer Nationhttp://queernationny.org/historyThe origins and timeline of one of the earliest adopter of “queer” as an empowering wordPhysical Book“Queer: A Graphic History”Meg-John Barker and Julia ScheeleAn accessible read on the history of queer people, used to write  the “History of the Word” sectionOnline ArticleTeenvogue.com/story/what-queer-meansA short piece that takes a more personal look at “queer” while also recognizing multiple interpretationsMore Online AccountsQueerCondensed.tumblr.com/tagged/the-queer-questionIn case you want to see the words of people IDing as queer and talking about the term’s history, check out the post for this guide! Links there will take you to Tumblr posts that discuss the subject -- source link

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