Queer

Queer is an umbrella term used by some describing those who regard their sexual orientation or gender identity as outside of societal norms or as more fluid and inclusive than other categories. Though originated (possibly at the famous trial of Oscar Wilde in 1895) as a derogatory term, starting in the 1970s activists and community groups reclaimed it. It’s now popular and commonplace. In 1990 American HIV/AIDS activists (formally known as ACT UP) became Queer Nation, and then on TV (in 1999, the British Queer As Folk and in 2003, the U.S. Queer Eye). Due to this controversial history, queer is not universally embraced or used.