I identify as queer. Identifying as queer can be a deeply personal and empowering decision for many individuals, and there are numerous reasons why someone might choose to adopt this label. Here are five reasons I identify as queer:

1. Inclusivity: Queer is often used as an umbrella term to encompass diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that may not fit neatly into traditional categories such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. By identifying as queer, I signal their commitment to inclusivity and embrace the fluidity and complexity of human sexuality and gender.
2. Rejecting Normativity: I now publicly choose to identify as queer as a rejection of societal norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender. This can be a form of resistance against rigid categorizations and binaries, advocating for a more fluid and liberated understanding of identity.
3. Community and Solidarity: For me, calling myself queer can be a way to connect with a larger community of individuals who share similar experiences and struggles. Embracing the label, for me, fosters a sense of solidarity and belonging, providing support and validation in a world that may not always be accepting of diverse identities.
4. Political Statement: Here in the state of Florida, identifying as queer is a political act, challenging systems of oppression and advocating for social justice and equality. By reclaiming a term used historically as a slur, individuals assert their right to exist and thrive unapologetically.
5. Self-Discovery and Authenticity: Finally, people like me identify as queer as simply a reflection of their authentic selves and lived experiences. It can be a way to acknowledge and celebrate the complexities and nuances of their sexuality and gender, embracing all aspects of their identity without shame or apology.