Currently defined in modern society as a self-affirming umbrella term used by non-heterosexual individuals to describe themselves and their community.
Before it was reclaimed by the polyamorous community, it was used in a derisive manner to describe people of an alternate sexual persuasion (homosexual, bisexual, trans).
The appropriate scholarly use of ‘queer’ is to describe someone who practices unconventional behavior, typically sexual behavior. By the scholarly definition, even a heterosexual individual can be described as queer.
Example
Jimmy was outspoken and passionate about gay rights. He was a homosexual who was proud to be a part of the queer community.
