What does queer mean?
Queer most commonly denotes anything relating to LGBTQ+ people, including identities, communities, cultural expression, theory, and political experience. It functions as an adjective, a noun for an LGBTQ+ person, and, more rarely, a verb. Its wider metaphorical use describes experiences, practices, or works that challenge conventional categories of sexuality, gender, identity, or social life. This extension is especially important in queer theory and queer art, where marginalization and resistance are central concerns. The word has a complicated history: it was long used as a hostile label for sexual minorities before many members of those communities reclaimed it as a positive umbrella term. Its meaning is therefore not limited to sexual orientation and can include gender-diverse people. Although the term remains disliked by some LGBTQ+ people, it is now widely recognized in academic, cultural, and activist contexts. The older sense meaning “odd” or “strange” is dated and should generally be avoided.
Relating to or encompassing people whose sexual orientation or gender identity is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender; also relating to unconventional, marginalized, or nonconformist identities, practices, and cultural forms.
"Queer artists have repeatedly challenged conventional representations of gender and desire."
The inclusive and nonconformist senses overlap but are not identical. The older meaning “odd” or “strange” is dated and may be offensive.
An LGBTQ+ person, especially one whose sexual orientation or gender identity is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender.
"She came out as a queer at university."
The noun is used principally by or for LGBTQ+ people. It may still carry a negative historical association for some speakers and is therefore used with care.
To alter, reinterpret, or portray someone or something as queer.
"The adaptation attempts to queer a familiar story rather than simply retell it."
This use is relatively specialized and most common in cultural, literary, and academic discussion.
The plural is less common than the singular and should be used respectfully, particularly because of the word's history as an offensive label.
"The group welcomes queers from every background."
Once used chiefly as a hostile slur, “queer” was reclaimed as an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ people and has become central to an influential body of theory, art, and activism.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does queer come from?
Middle English forms of the word existed with meanings such as “odd,” “peculiar,” or “strange” and are often linked to Old English cwēorn, although the precise derivation has been debated. Its use as a label for sexual minorities emerged in the late nineteenth century, initially in a hostile context. During the late twentieth century, LGBTQ+ activists and writers reclaimed the term and expanded it into an umbrella identity, later broadening its cultural and theoretical applications.
Related word forms
How queer is actually used
In its principal modern sense, “queer” generally serves as an inclusive umbrella term and may be used by or for LGBTQ+ people without intention to insult. Although the term has been reclaimed, some LGBTQ+ people still dislike it, and using it as a label for someone who has not identified that way can remain offensive. The older sense meaning “odd” or “strange” is dated and can sound dismissive. “Queer” also has artistic and political uses that extend beyond sexual orientation or gender identity.