Gender Identity Article

Unlike most people, I believe ‘labels’ are crucial in the category of gender identity. To choose your own labels makes you superior to others who just have labels chosen for them. But in the bigger scheme of things, are having labels something that is important?
 
There's a book that I have begun to read which I recommend for people who are struggling with their own labels or identity. This book is written by a young lady called ‘Aimee Herman’. The book ‘Everything Grows’ teaches us about identity and how we can become someone who we’re comfortable with - which is so relevant in today's society. 

Being comfortable with your own labels is very important! After all, we are the human species and we like to label - it’s in our DNA. However, if you’re not feeling comfortable with your own labels then I implore you to explore and become comfortable within yourself. Because without having an identity, how are you going to become ‘someone’? 
 
Now don’t get me wrong, labels should not define you. You may be thinking ‘Hey Cody - you just said that labels are important’ but let me finish. 

Knowing who you are and being labelled as something are two separate things. Let’s use me for an example, I’m a 19-year-old transgender guy who sees myself as a masculine person who has a very mixed sexual orientation. That’s how I see me, and they’re the only labels that I genuinely care about. 

To me, I’m just a guy who enjoys the company of everybody but to others, I’m seen as several different things, ‘outgoing’, ‘funny’, ‘weird’, ‘kind’, ‘warm-hearted’, and from many ‘a walking meme’ but none of that genuinely matter, as much, to me. That's not my identity, that’s just my personality. 

I hope you’re starting to understand that labels don’t define you - unless they are you. If not, you’re always welcome to add your own opinions to my statement.
 
I’d like to re emphasise that exploring your identity is so vital. As long as you are comfortable within yourself, that’s all that matters. They are the only labels that you will ever need or should ever want to have. 
 
So when someone next asks you ‘who are you?’ what will you say? 

-Cody

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