Since the 1890s, the term queer was initially used as a derogatory slur against gay men until it was later reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Today, it’s used non-offensively as an inclusive term that embraces a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community.
In this episode, we're taking a look into the etymology of the word queer, tracing its origins as a slur, and examining the pivotal moments and motivations behind the LGBTQ+ community's powerful reclamation of the term.
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• Listen to Bonus 12. Spooky Storytime (https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-12-spooky-111557531?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
• Listen to Episode 03. Surviving Another Pandemic (https://www.ajadedgay.com/03-surviving-another-pandemic/)
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Additional Resources:
• Queer (Etymology) (https://www.etymonline.com/word/queer)
• Queer (Definition) (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/queer)
• How the Word ‘Queer’ was Adopted by the LGBTQ Community (https://www.cjr.org/language_corner/queer.php)
• Marquess of Queensberry (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess_of_Queensberry)
• ‘Queer’ History: A History of Queer (https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/queer-history-a-history-of-queer/)
• Oscar Wilde Trial (https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/oscar-wilde-trial)
• Reviled, Reclaimed and Respected: The History of the Word 'Queer' (https://theconversation.com/reviled-reclaimed-and-respected-the-history-of-the-word-queer-197533)
• Come Out! (https://outhistory.org/files/original/f6d46c5d90761e3a66edcd4fe32a6785.pdf)
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