‘Queer’ is an umbrella term that is commonly used to refer to or describe people who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender.  Further, “queer” is also used to refer to approaches that oppose heteronormative ways of thinking and being. Historically used in a pejorative sense, the term ‘queer’ has been reclaimed by LGBTQIA+ activists to explain sexual orientation and identity. Queer theorists appreciate that the term invokes the ongoing struggle and evolution of gender and sex categories. 

The category queer includes individuals who identify as: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual. 

Queer students often face violence, stigmatization, marginalization, and a lack of social support within educational systems. Even when they are not attacked, they are asked to suppress their identity to fit in. Gender transformative education accepts queer learners, teachers, staff. It reshapes policies, rules, curricula and pedagogies so that queer people are visible and welcome as they are.