The first time I came out I was pretty solid in my identity, I was a lesbian. A girl who liked girls. I was nothing more and nothing less. Well, things have changed a lot since then. I've realized that my gender identity isn't what it used to be and therefore my sexuality isn't really what it used to be either.

I know that some people are still deeply offended by the word "queer", personally, I find it really empowering. My mom hates the word, she still sees it as a slur because when she was my age it was a slur. Now, it's my word to use however I want to use it. When I use the word "queer" to express myself it's not a label, slur, or identity- it's a lifestyle. To me, being queer just is something that runs deep within me. I feel it in every ounce of my being and it's not something that everyone can identify with. And that's perfectly fine!

When people ask me what my sexuality is, I have begun to say "queer", because other than that I don't know what to say. I'm not confused, I'm not questioning anything; I just know who I like, what I like, and what I don't like. For me, it's easier to say that I'm queer than to try and explain all of the thoughts and feelings that I have towards people to others. Usually when you say you're "just queer" people leave it at that and stop asking questions whereas if I went into great detail about what I do/don't like they'd want to have a five hour conversation and I really don't have the time for that.

Also, being queer isn't just who I like; it's a lifestyle. Queerness is the way I dress, do my hair, walk, talk, present myself, the music I listen to, etc. Being queer is so much more than the people I want to be with. Being queer is about whatever you want it to be, and I've just chosen to make it about everything even though it doesn't define me.