queer (adj.)

An adjective used by some people, particularly younger people, whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual (e.g. queer person, queer woman), "queer" has become a useful umbrella term, despite the fact that it was used pejoratively for many decades. GLAAD says "Nevertheless, it is not universally accepted within our communities, and used out of context it is still derogatory." Use "queer" with gay abandon only when you self-identify this way or when you know your audience appreciates it. For an excellent guide to related terms, see GLAAD Media Reference Guide: https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD-Media-Reference-Guide-Tenth-Edition.pdf. See also gay lifestyle, genderqueer, homosexual.