MUSINGS ON THE TERM QUEER

Queer, we know, has been a derogatory term that has relatively recently been recuperated in the academy. This recuperation has spilled out into the streets..., so to speak. Now, the term is used to point to GLBT people and even folks that exist outside of norms in general. It is the ultimated umbrella term. It's use can be broad (to denote non-normative) or specific (to denote GLBT and such).

Some folks embrace it. Some folks don't. I affirm people's self identification. I resist dehumanization, signifying upon, etc. I mean peace for you, my loved one, because I love you. These intentions are what I hope shines above the term whether embraced or rejected.

When I use the term Queer I am speaking not only of people who identify as Transgender, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Gender Queer, Same or Both Gender Loving, MSM (Men who have Sex with Men), etc. but also to all people for whom the rigid binary gender and sexuality constructs are not life giving. My use of queer extends to heterosexuals, all ages and every individual that fits the second clause of the former sentence.

When I use the term Renaissance I am talking about a myriad of ways that I envision the reconnection of people to themselves and the gifts of life, love, and creation that are seemingly stripped at birth, gifts that I see being recovered. This return includes but is not limited to:

1. The revival of sexuality that is non-normative and/or fluid; revived for the full expression and exploration of a responsible and life giving boundless human sexuality.

2. The reawakening of the ability to and reality that people exist in all kinds of romantic and familial relationships from monogamous to polyamorous, from co-parenting to surrogate family creations, from single individuals to serial monogamists; and so on.

3. The resurrection of the fact that people are born with a range of genitalia, physiology, chromosomes, biology, spirits, body parts, and abilities. We want to affirm that all bodies are right, good, and normal. We want to assert that all bodies should be appreciated and allowed to participate and flourish in freedom love and live responsibly in the world.