Why ‘Queer’?

Why ‘Queer‘?

One of the biggest conversations we have had as a team, has been regarding calling ourselves a “queer” theatre company.

It’s difficult to summarise all of our discussions we have had with one another, with friends and family and members of the LGBTQ+ community, but here is an attempt at a brief summary of why we have engaged, discussed and finally come to identify ourselves as a ‘queer’ group.

LGBTQQIP2SAA

That is the full, current initialism of the group of people that identify as non-heteronormative or an ally (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, 2 spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual).  It is fair to say, that abbriviation is quite the mouthful to deliver every time we present a piece of theatre, do an interview, or upload an article or send a tweet (that’s practically half the characters gone right there!).   We are also very aware that terms change with time and this full title may very well be adapted appropriately as the company develops over the coming years.

It would have been easy to call ourselves a company that specialise in ‘LGBT’ stories, but the last thing we want to do is alienate those who don’t categorise themselves as one of the initials presented in these abbreviations.  It’s also fair to say that some of the stories we wish to present over the coming years may not be defined under the four terms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.

Why did we choose ‘Queer‘ then?

We understand the history behind the word ‘queer’.  It’s negative connotations and personal experiences people have had previously, and continue to experience with the word in a homophobic sense.  We are not being dismissive or turning a blind eye to this.  Far from it in fact.

Reclamation is a huge part of why we call ourselves a queer theatre company.   By calling ourselves queer we disarm those that use the word to have a negative effect on us.  We are also very aware through our work in youth groups and schools, the term ‘queer’ is being used more and more as a positive, non-heteronormative identification by the younger generations, and in our eyes that is something to encourage and support.

Queer is an inclusive term.  It covers everyone who classes themselves as not heterosexual or cis-gender.

Green Carnation Company are proud to be queer, and to tell queer stories.