Labeling yourself: necessary or not?
You've probably heard of “labels” in connection with sexual orientations or gender identities. But what does that mean, and is it really necessary to put a label on yourself? In this article, we'll try to demystify the whole thing to help you see things more clearly.
To remember
👉 Labels can help you understand yourself by putting your sexual orientation or gender identity into words.
👉 You don't have to define yourself with a label if you don't feel comfortable.
👉 Your identity can be fluid: It can evolve over time, and you have the right to change or not clearly define who you are.
👉 Choosing not having a label is also valid.
What is a label?
A label is a word or term we use to describe a part of ourselves. For example, when someone says he/she is “gay”, “lesbian”, “bi”, “trans” or “non-binary”, he/she is using a label to explain his/her sexual orientation or gender identity. These labels are like shortcuts that allow others to quickly understand who we are or how we feel about our sexuality and gender.
A way to understand yourself
Labels can be useful, especially as you begin to understand who you are. They can help you put your feelings, desires and experiences into words. For example, you may realize that you're not the only one who feels the way you do, and that other people use the same label to describe their sexual orientation or gender. This can give you a sense of belonging to a community, which is sometimes reassuring.
Some people find that putting a label on themselves helps them better understand what they're going through. By putting a label on their identity, they feel clearer in their own mind, and they may also feel more comfortable talking about it with others.
But is it really necessary?
On the other hand, you may be wondering whether it's really necessary to have a label. The answer is no! There's no rule that says you absolutely have to define yourself with a label. In fact, some people find labels reductive, as they may not reflect the full complexity of their experience. For example, you might feel attracted to several genders without wanting to call yourself “bi” directly, or you might recognize yourself as a non-binary person without feeling comfortable wearing that label.
Your identity and sexuality can be fluid, evolving over time, and it's perfectly okay not to want to tie yourself down to a specific label. Sometimes it's easier and more honest to say: “I don't know exactly how I feel yet, but I will in time”. And that's perfectly normal.
Label pressure
Another point to bear in mind is the pressure that labels can sometimes create. Some people feel obliged to choose a label very early on, even if they're not sure. It's not always easy to choose a label when you're a teenager. You go through periods of self-doubt, and it's not always clear who you are.
There can also be judgments, misunderstandings and even mockery from others, whether at school, on social networks or elsewhere. This can make the idea of “labelling” a little stressful. But the important thing to remember is that you have plenty of time to explore, change and grow, without rushing.
Choosing not to choose
One of the greatest strengths you can have is to choose... not to choose. You don't have to define yourself according to other people's expectations. You have the right to refuse labels and to say to yourself that your identity is yours alone. It's a personal journey, and everyone takes it at their own pace.
Labels should never be a burden. They're not there to limit you, but to help you understand yourself. If you need a label, it can help you feel validated and understood. But if you prefer not to have one, you have that freedom too.
So finally...
So, should we put a label on ourselves? It's up to you to decide. Labels can be useful in describing who you are, but they're not essential. What's important is that you feel good about yourself and that you're honest about how you feel, whether you choose a label or not. There's no right or wrong answer. What matters is your well-being and your freedom to be yourself, without pressure or judgment.
