We label everything. From our cabinets to our make-up holders. You’d think we get enough labels with the items we surround ourselves with. But then, we turn around and put labels on all the people around us.
We use race to label people, gender, sexuality, sports teams, age, careers. And so much more. Sometimes it feels like we should just carry a label maker around with us all the time. Seriously, though, what is the deal with all the labels?
I’ve spent many hours over the last few months thinking about this very thing. Odd, I know, but I get stuck on things until I figure them out (at least, in my own head.)
It all started when I tried to label myself. I’m female, but I’m not straight. What am I? For over forty years, I lived as a straight girl. Even then, there were always lesbian daydreams. But that alone didn’t make me lesbian. And why did it matter?
Because people want to know. Society needs to know what group we each fit into. It helps everyone know who they can or do not relate to. It’s a category grouping. Which blows my mind to a whole different level because – if you’ve read any of my other blog posts – you know we should all just respect each other and allow everyone to have their own views. But maybe, just maybe, we need others on our side, so we feel less crazy.
So, I spent time trying to figure out my label. Who am I? And yes, a bit of an identity crisis ensued. I am me. A little hippy, a little sassy, a little crazy, and a lot unique. I’m not overly special but I’m special in my own way. And I’m not straight.
I love Kim. It doesn’t matter that she is a girl. It doesn’t matter that it is not traditional. It doesn’t matter that some people are disappointed or frowning upon it. She is an amazing woman with the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. She makes me a better person just being near her. She smiles and I feel it light me up inside. She hugs me and I breathe.
I don’t see people the way others do. I don’t break them down into categories and determine ahead of time who they are. I let them be who they are and then place them into the categories. Sometimes, it works out and sometimes people take a long time for their true colors to show. But that doesn’t change that they were given the chance. One chance.
So, I don’t really like labels. But because society depends upon them so desperately, I’m bi-sexual. And I’m in love with a woman. A strong, beautiful, amazing woman who has changed my life and helped me see the world as a much better place.
And that is what brought us to Straight Not Straight. We want to help spread the light and love to others. We want society to start seeing that labels don’t have to be condemning. Love is what makes the world a better place. And if people can start working together, we can all share in the light.
Be who you are, spread love and happiness. Allow others to be who they are and share in their joys. Lift them up in their sadness and make the world a better place. Keep the labels on our stuff, not on people.
