1. Queer is
versatile.
Do you identify as something that goes beyond
the labels 'gay', 'lesbian' or 'bisexual'? Do you have any kinks?
Like to drag it up sometimes? Most of us have a little queer in us.
Queer is freedom. Not just sexually, but emotionally, too. Once you
let go of the limits imposed by reductive labels, you find a whole
new world opens up to you. I am a lesbian, I am a boi, I used to
pass as a boy. I am queer and love it.
2. Queer is
political.
We're not talking government politics, but
social politics. Normal is only normal because it is common. That
said, we love common people, and many of us are 'ordinary' but a
lot aren't. And that's cool too. Take a stand. Live lifestyles that
exist outside of and challenge 'the norm'. Like Joan As Policewoman
(pictured). Like Gossip's Beth Ditto, enjoy your body whatever your
size, sexual preferences or gender expression. Challenge your own
prejudices, question everything - especially the fact that society
is organised to benefit the wealthy few. Challenge bigots. And then
throw a big party.
3. Queer doesn't
judge.
The queer world is accepting. Lesbian and gay
worlds have their own rules don't they? If you are too butch you
can be shunned. If you look too femme, how can you be gay? Have you
ever come up against this in our own communities? I have. Turned
away from gay bars for being too 'straight' looking. Find yourself
some wonderful folk into BDSM where you'll find pansexual,
transexual, asexual, and just queer people! It is a 'one size fits
most' sort of word.
4. Queer is fun.
Show us another word that covers all of the
above. Once used as a derogatory term, queers have long reclaimed
the word. Like dyke. We love that word. If someone calls you a dyke
hoping to insult you, turn around and say "thanks for the
compliment!" There are a host of clubs out
there, like Wotever where you can do things you always wanted to
but didn't dare ask.
5. Queer
is......YOU!
Oh go on. You know you want to dip that
painted toe in the queer waters. It's warm, it's welcoming and it's
fabulous. Come meet some gender benders, dine
with royalty in drag Queens and Kings. Find
clubs that tickle that bit of your soul you have kept
hidden. Queer is not a dirty word, its our
word. Reclaim yours now and let us show you
around.
