GREENSBORO, N.C. — June is PRIDE month. A month to recognize those in the LGBTQ+ community who continue to fight for equality.
But what do all of the terms mean, and when are they OK to use?
Most know what the letters stand for, but not everyone knows what they mean. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and the list goes on. The word "queer" can be confusing to some.
WFMY News 2 reporter Amber Lake spoke to community organizations to find out the meaning of the word.
Chair of Alternative Resources of the Triad, Brian Coleman said, "queer" is an umbrella term that could basically mean anything. The term “queer” wasn’t widely used back in the day and was mostly considered to be derogatory. Coleman said language has evolved, turning the word into something more powerful.
“Queer could mean that they're bisexual in nature, or they identify heavier to one side of the spectrum than the other," Coleman said. "Or maybe they're in that center part. Or maybe they're the ACE group, the asexual group, to where it's just, I'm queer, you don't have to pick.”
Queer could encompass none of the letters, some of the letters or all of the letters.
Now, when is it OK and not OK to use the term?
“We need also to remember that word is used as an identifier, and should probably only be used when you hear someone identify to themselves as such,” Coleman said.
He said he always has an analogy he goes back to in order to explain.
"Identifying it as a snowflake, every single one of them is. Because science tells us that every snowflake is frozen water, but none of them are the same but are comprised of exactly the same thing, frozen water," he said. "Well, people are just like that. We're all just snowflakes. We're comprised of exactly the same thing but none of us look the same, none of us are the same. So "queer" has become something that is empowerment.”
Lake also talked with PFLAG, Winston Salem Pride, and the Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center who all agreed.
“For many young people, the word "queer" is used as an umbrella term to describe diverse sexual and gender identities," Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center said. 'In this context, it is an affirming word. But, for many older LGBTQ people the word queer is viewed as a slur. Because the word has vastly different meanings, it's always best to ask before you use it.”
"Pride Winston-Salem, a 501(c)3, formed over 10 years ago and was intentional to add "queer" alongside the more common acronym - LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender)," Winston-Salem Pride said. "Personal gender identity is an individual choice that must be supported, accepted and celebrated. Pride Winston-Salem supports all gender and sexuality expressive identities... and we feel "queer" embodies that. As our organization was formed, we did receive feedback from some that had been hurt by this term. With the term growing in popularity, it was a no-brainer. Words have power and we reclaimed that power by adopting its use. It is also important to remember to be respectful of each sub-group and meet people where they are. Coming out as Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Queer, Non-Binary, Gender Fluid, Pansexual, Asexual, etc... AND yes... as an ALLY are all important to the greater acceptance of each other and should be celebrated with PRIDE!!!"