MORE THAN ‘STRAIGHT’ The way we define gender and sexualities is changing, and you don’t want to be left behind.
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t is no secret that gender and sexuality are mainstream topics. When you talk to your friends about it, there may be someone who disagrees with you, and you should listen to them. Tag spoke with some of our readers and got their opinions. Ultimately what you think about labels is your choice. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, as long as that opinion doesn’t damage someone’s rights. We feel that it’s important to talk to your friends about pronouns. Tag us on Instagram @tagmag_22 and tell us what you think I THINK THAT GENDER LABELS ARE (respectfully, of course!). A PERSONAL THING. My pronouns are she/they. Only if I choose to tell someone is it their business. Otherwise, people should focus on themselves. It’s your life; nobody else’s, and you owe no one an explanation. LABELS CAN BE HELPFUL. At work, No one else needs to be involved in college, and in day-to-day life, asking someone’s gender identity unless the someone’s pronouns is a good thing. said person wants them to be. It helps both parties feel comfortaI think that labels, as a whole, are ble. It’s not awkward for either of us. ways of stereotyping and categorizing Equally, if someone doesn’t want to people into society standards. Men label themselves, it’s their preference. have expectations; women have It is a personal choice and up to the expectations. I have decided not to use individual. labels to describe my sexuality simply James, he/him because it’s no one else’s business. I am who I am. Khiera, she/they
LABELS FOR SEXUALITY CAN HELP PEOPLE A LOT when working out who they are. Labels won’t always reflect someone’s identity 100%, but they can still help you understand yourself and your identity. When you understand your own identity, it can help to understand others’ labels. I identify as trans and gay. But just because I am gay doesn’t mean that I am attracted to every man I see. I don’t feel anything towards somebody unless I know them personally, too. I think this is called demisexual. But even if I’m close to them, it doesn’t mean that I’ll be attracted to them even then. Labels help your peers understand you better and your gender or sexuality. I get that some people don’t like titles because they don’t suit them, but for LGBTQ people, like myself, labels can make them feel safe and accepted. Aden, he/they
Rachel Lucas Design: George Walker Photography: Joe Grinstead
“I’m too big for this box you’re trying to put me in”
FOR ME, LABELS ARE USELESS in the context of gender and sexuality. It is an extremely personal journey that everyone has to experience to know themselves. Yet, the thought of having different ways to classify yourself as other than “human” just doesn’t appeal to me. I have no problem with people using them, though. If it gives somebody comfort or a sense of community, then more power to them. I just think we could have the same thing regardless of labels. My experience with labels has been long and confusing. I’ve been through many labels with my sexuality and gender, but I’ve decided to just not have any. It’s a freeing feeling, for sure. I’m a songwriter and performer and use my work to express myself. I have a song: “I’m too big for this box you’re trying to put me in.” I think that title perfectly encapsulates how I feel. Danni Jones, any pronouns really
FIND OUT MORE If you would like to read more on this topic, turn to page 28 9
