Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The word ‘queer’ has had many iterations. First it meant ‘strange’, ‘odd’ or even ‘eccentric’ – think of the expression, ‘there’s nowt so queer as folk’. During the trial of Oscar Wilde, a letter by the Marquis of Queensberry described Wilde and other gay men as ‘snob queers’. Indeed, for many, the term still produces a wince, as it took on the form of a homophobic slur.
Today, however, ‘queer’ has been adopted positively, falling under the LGBTQ+ umbrella representing those whose ‘gender identity’ or sexuality does not fit into ‘cisgender’ norms.
No longer just a word, the concept of ‘queering’ has now emerged – a technique to challenge binaries, boundaries and ‘heteronormativity’ across society as a whole. While originally associated with the takeover of Pride events by queer activism, queering is now visible in everyday life – it is impossible to walk down a UK high street and not see ‘queer’ symbolism in the shape of flags or traffic signs.
What is behind this complete shifting of language and the attempt to re-write the past, present and future through a ‘queer lens’? Is queering simply a new way of looking at the world, one which we should embrace with an attitude of ‘live and let live’? Or is there something to be defended in our understanding of binaries and boundaries, that help our understanding of each other rather than harm?
The speakers on this panel are:
James Esses - barrister; social commentator; co-founder, Thoughtful Therapists
Professor Frank Furedi - sociologist and social commentator; executive director, MCC Brussels
Kate Harris - co-founder and trustee, LGB Alliance; formerly Brighton Women’s Centre and Brighton Women’s Aid
Graham Linehan - creator and co-creator, Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd; comedy writer, Count Arthur Strong, Brass Eye and The Fast Show; author, Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy
The Chair is:
Claire Fox - director, Academy of Ideas; independent peer, House of Lords; author, I STILL Find That Offensive!
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You
The word ‘queer’ has had many iterations. First it meant ‘strange’, ‘odd’ or even ‘eccentric’ – think of the expression, ‘there’s nowt so queer as folk’. During the trial of Oscar Wilde, a letter by the Marquis of Queensberry described Wilde and other gay men as ‘snob queers’. Indeed, for many, the term still produces a wince, as it took on the form of a homophobic slur.
Today, however, ‘queer’ has been adopted positively, falling under the LGBTQ+ umbrella representing those whose ‘gender identity’ or sexuality does not fit into ‘cisgender’ norms.
No longer just a word, the concept of ‘queering’ has now emerged – a technique to challenge binaries, boundaries and ‘heteronormativity’ across society as a whole. While originally associated with the takeover of Pride events by queer activism, queering is now visible in everyday life – it is impossible to walk down a UK high street and not see ‘queer’ symbolism in the shape of flags or traffic signs.
What is behind this complete shifting of language and the attempt to re-write the past, present and future through a ‘queer lens’? Is queering simply a new way of looking at the world, one which we should embrace with an attitude of ‘live and let live’? Or is there something to be defended in our understanding of binaries and boundaries, that help our understanding of each other rather than harm?
The speakers on this panel are:
James Esses - barrister; social commentator; co-founder, Thoughtful Therapists
Professor Frank Furedi - sociologist and social commentator; executive director, MCC Brussels
Kate Harris - co-founder and trustee, LGB Alliance; formerly Brighton Women’s Centre and Brighton Women’s Aid
Graham Linehan - creator and co-creator, Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd; comedy writer, Count Arthur Strong, Brass Eye and The Fast Show; author, Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy
The Chair is:
Claire Fox - director, Academy of Ideas; independent peer, House of Lords; author, I STILL Find That Offensive!
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You
