Whenever I, or another writer from the LGBTQIA+ community, attempt to clarify a subject or term that falls under our diverse umbrella, someone—often not part of the community—will jump in with remarks like: “Why do you have to label everything? Just be yourself!” Alternatively, some comments come across as defensive or dismissive: “Stop making such a big deal out of things. No one cares!”
Many individuals claim they are too exhausted or baffled to respect others’ identities. Instead of taking the time to learn or actually reading the informative piece provided, they choose ignorance and ask for forgiveness when they err. That’s not how it works. I value your name, pronouns, identity, and whatever you call yourself in relation to your favorite sports team; you can extend the same courtesy to me. I may not understand what it’s like to be straight or a fan of the Giants, but I’m comfortable with your use of those terms because they don’t alter who I am. For all the identities and labels you may not grasp, let’s explore why they are essential.
Individuals identifying outside traditional heterosexual norms seek words that help them navigate the world. I don’t identify as straight or cisgender, but society often defaults to these labels upon birth (tragic gender reveal parties, anyone?). However, those terms don’t resonate with me or many others, so we must “correct” this misconception. This is why people come out of the closet and embrace labels. Yes, I’m a human being, but I refuse to be merely an assumption; I describe myself using terms that foster pride and self-acceptance. I identify as queer and nonbinary, and my labels invite community and solidarity. They represent a rebellion against societal norms and an assertion of independence.
I wear pronoun pins and rainbow flags not just for representation but also to articulate who I am, a role often placed on those of us who feel marginalized. This can be exhausting. If you are a genuine ally, instead of playing the ignorance card, take the label you’re unsure about and do a quick search online. Read the article before dismissing someone else’s identity as invalid.
Labels are personal and can shift over time, and that’s a beautiful aspect of them. No one is obliged to explain the words they use to identify themselves. My labels help me connect with other nonbinary individuals, allowing us to share experiences, support one another, and exchange advice on navigating a world that often denies us a fitting box to check. Labels help us feel acknowledged. As language evolves, new terms emerge that enable individuals to understand themselves better. Discovering the term nonbinary provided me with a sense of belonging; it alleviated my loneliness.
Those of us living in the margins with LGBTQIA+ identities face more than just clueless social media comments. We encounter real discrimination, hatred, and abuse. In seeking safety and acceptance, we look for organizations and businesses that actively support us, demonstrating their commitment to protecting LGBTQIA+ rights. Equity and social justice efforts exist to uplift those of us who dare to label ourselves in ways that challenge conventional societal views on gender and sexuality.
As someone who has been part of the queer community since my closeted elementary school days, I am an activist and educator with a solid understanding of terms beyond the straight, cisgender narrative. However, I don’t claim to speak for all queer or nonbinary people, nor do I assume to know what each term means for every individual who identifies with it. I can share a general definition of asexuality, but if an asexual person explains their unique experience, I listen. That’s the least we can do.
When you quickly assert that we are all just people and should live and let live, you reveal your privilege and ignorance. Your biases, whether explicit or implicit, may seem harmless, but denying someone the freedom to express their identity is to deny them the right to live authentically. It’s noteworthy that many who argue there are “too many labels” are often the same individuals who feel offended if someone assumes they are gay or misgenders them. If we’re all just people, what’s the issue? Why does it bother you if someone mistakenly refers to you as “sir” at the grocery store, Alex? Maybe consider relaxing and stop fixating so much on labels.
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Summary
Labels within the LGBTQIA+ community serve essential functions, providing individuals with tools for self-identity, community, and pride. While some may question the need for labels, they are crucial for fostering understanding and respect among diverse identities. Engaging with and respecting these terms can lead to a more inclusive society.
Keyphrase: Importance of Labels in LGBTQIA+ Community
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