Reader's Forum

Dear Editor:

"Queer" is not strictly an umbrella term. It is a word used by some individuals to express themselves in terms of gender and sexual orientation. Personally, I don’t use the term: it doesn’t suit me. Members of the gay community use a wide variety of terminology—we’re not all softball players or Ethel Merman impersonators, though that is how you see fit to describe us.

Yes, "queer" is less specific, but it is that very quality that makes it great. The ambiguity of the term makes people ask questions. That halting of stop and question of "wait, what?" leads to discussion. Why do you think the Alliance tables all the time? It’s to promote education and discussion—it’s to answer questions. If we do not ask, how will we learn? Ask that question, create that discussion, so that we may understand each other better.

The term "queer" makes people pause. It makes people think. Tell someone you’re queer and watch their face as it processes. Tell someone you’re a lesbian and they think they’ve got you all figured out—a nice little term in a nice little box, no questions asked.

How do we avoid assumptions—particularly for individuals who don’t feel that any one term suits them? The answer: by using an inexact term that creates discussion and education for all involved. The evolution of social movements, particularly one that involves civil liberties, is not based on silence and cramming people into neat, tight boxes.

Through a free exchange of ideas we can create civil discourse about issues facing the gay community without being derailed by pretentious assumptions.

—Allison Walters (’10)