MORE THAN ‘STRAIGHT’

The way we define gender and sexualities is changing, and you don’t want to be left behind.

I THINK THAT GENDER LABELS ARE 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. No one else needs to be involved in someone’s gender identity unless the said person wants them to be.

I think that labels, as a whole, are ways of stereotyping and categorizing people into society standards. Men have expectations; women have expectations. I have decided not to use labels to describe my sexuality simply because it’s no one else’s business. I am who I am.

It 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 (respectfully, of course!). LABELS CAN BE HELPFUL. At work, college, and in day-to-day life, asking someone’s pronouns is a good thing. It helps both parties feel comfortable. It’s not awkward for either of us. Equally, if someone doesn’t want to label themselves, it’s their preference. It is a personal choice and up to the individual.

James, he/him

Khiera, she/they Rachel Lucas Design: George Walker Photography: Joe Grinstead

“I’m too big for this box you’re trying to put me in”

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. 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