WK5 Identity

    Putting a label on myself was something I avoided doing when it comes to almost anything in life. I prefer to be seen as just a person who could be and do whatever I want. I understand the need for labeling in this society and if I was asked to define myself I would simply have to go by the categories that are known: a white woman, a protective older sister, a troublemaking daughter, LGBTQ person who just wants to connect to the world, live a fulfilling life and enjoy it as much as I can.  

    Finding a label that you feel comfortable with is something a lot of people struggle with, no matter what that label may symbolize and Michael Hulshof-Schmidt talks about exactly that in this entry from his personal blog Social Justice For All. The LGBT community is one of the groups that has trouble with determining what the community should be called. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender is recognized in the short four letter word and does a pretty good job of showcasing the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender. However, it does leave out a lot of people and not everyone can identify with any of these four words. Some people opt for using "gay" in general, but that leaves out anyone who doesn't identify with same sex attraction only. It is also seen as only male so it results in sexist language even if unintentional. Many similar problems like this have risen from this attempt at finding a label. Over time, a number of other additions have been suggested to the LGBT acronym. In an attempt to include as much as possible, the acronym would look something like this LGBTQQIP2SAA - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, Two-Spirit, asexual and allies. This does seem pretty inclusive, but it is also quite a mouthful. People are complex, with multiple identities and that is the problem with finding the suitable label for the LGBT. However, Hulshof-Schmidt points out that “in the long run, the intent matters more than the label.” and that is something very positive to look at and see it as it is. The LGBTQ+ community might not find the perfect label for itself, but the effort put into it shows the strength of the community and the drive for improvement and inclusivity. We will try together and that is what matters.