The term "queer" has been used to describe people who do not conform to heterosexual norms since at least the early twentieth century.
It is only recently that this term has become widely accepted and embraced. Queer terminology refers to the language used by people who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual) or those who support them. It includes words such as "pansexual," "cisgender," "polyamorous," and "nonbinary." The use of these terms can be empowering for many individuals as they help them feel seen and validated in their identities. But what power dynamics are embedded in their creation?
One way to examine this question is through the lens of sociolinguistics, which studies how language shapes society. Power dynamics refer to the ways that certain groups have more influence over others due to social structures such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. In the case of queer terminology, there may be subtle but significant differences between those who create and those who adopt the language.
White cisgender men often dominate the conversation around creating new terminology, while women, people of color, and non-binary individuals may be less likely to have their voices heard. This can lead to a hierarchy within the community where some voices are privileged over others based on their identity markers.
Another factor contributing to power dynamics in queer terminology is the relationship between individual identities and societal norms. Queer terminology can be a form of resistance against the dominant culture's definition of normalcy.
Using it can also perpetuate stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people being "abnormal" or deviant. As such, some individuals may feel pressured into adopting terminology that doesn't fully represent their experiences. Others may resist using any term at all out of fear of further marginalization. These tensions show how language can reflect larger political and cultural realities beyond just personal choice.
Queer terminology can be used to assert one's place within the community and gain status among peers.
Someone may use terms like "pansexual" or "nonbinary" to signal that they are more open-minded than other members of their community. This creates an unequal dynamic between those who accept the terms and those who don't, potentially reinforcing divisions based on perceived acceptance levels. At the same time, accepting new terminology can be seen as progressive and inclusive by allies seeking to support the LGBTQ+ community, leading to a similar power imbalance.
The creation and adoption of queer terminology involve complex power dynamics related to race, gender, class, sexuality, and society's expectations. By understanding these factors, we can better support the LGBTQ+ community in creating inclusive language that truly represents everyone's experiences.
What power dynamics are embedded in the creation and acceptance of queer terminology?
Queer terminology has been evolving since the 1980s, when members of the LGBTQ+ community started using terms like 'queer' and 'gay' as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity. The emergence of this new language was driven by a need for self-empowerment and reclamation of identity after decades of stigmatization, marginalization, and violence against sexual minorities.