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Do I even need to identify myself on the LGBTQ spectre?

30 Answers
Last Updated: 06/17/2019 at 1:28pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 7th, 2015 7:12am
No, you don't have to if you don't feel comfortable labeling yourself. The LGBTQ spectrum covers a lot of different types of identities, but it's definitely not exhaustive. And I know a lot of people get fed up with how difficult it is to remember all the names, and labels mean something different to every person anyway. Every person's identity is unique and really not ever able to fit in one box. What's more, identity also changes. For example, someone might think they're exclusively heterosexual, but then realize they like other genders in different degrees too. Labeling yourself can also feel constricting, because there are stereotypes and preconceived notions for every one. So really, you don't have to identify yourself using the LGBTQ spectrum if you don't want to. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Identify yourself however you want to, whether that's aromantic, genderqueer, gay, unicorn, a combination of all of the above, or none of the above. :)
creativesupport0321
May 20th, 2016 1:45pm
Not necessarily. Sometimes, you can just say, "I am me. I don't need labels to define who I am."
Aayla
- Expert in LGBTQ+ Issues
June 17th, 2019 1:28pm
Labels are only there to be used if you're comfortable with them. If they're more of a burden than a useful tool of self-identification, you're free not to use them! You can just live you life, follow your heart, be yourself and do what makes you feel good. Identifying yourself with one identity is ok if it makes you feel better, but it's not mandatory.
FriendlyFern
November 6th, 2018 6:07pm
Nope! Identities are just a way that you can more simply convert how you feel to others but they’re not a requirement of being LGBT. What matters the most is that you’re being true to yourself and if you don’t ever want to label that that’s okay. You are valid with a label or without one and you are LGBT with a label or without one. Some people may choose to label themselves because they’re comfortable with it and it helps them identify who they are but there are still many who choose not to because maybe they don’t feel like any label accurately represents them or it’s just a personal choice.
cherryp0p
July 2nd, 2018 11:58am
You don't have to label yourself. As long as you are comfortable with yourself, that's all that matters.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2018 8:59am
If you don’t feel comfortable labelling yourself that’s perfectly okay, and normal 💖 Some people find security in labels and some people find them confining, everyone is different. Whether you’re unsure of how to identify yourself or you feel pressured to even though you’d prefer not to understanding how you identify is a complex thing and is unique for everyone. The Q in LGBTQ+ stands for queer which is an umbrella term for anyone who identifies as anything other than heterosexual or cisgender and also stands for questioning if you feel unsure of your sexuality. Many people take comfort in using the terms queer or questioning and some take comfort in not using labels at all. No matter the circumstance take time to figure out what works for you, sexuality is fluid 🌈 Hope this helped x
delilahdanielle
June 19th, 2018 6:11am
you don't! if you don't like labels or you don't really feel you identify with any one specific thing in the lgbtq spectre, you can just be you! that isn't an issue.
magnanimousGrotto31
January 22nd, 2018 9:36am
No! There are many people who either just identify as a 'non-heterosexual' or 'queer' person, or people who just say that they don't care/it doesn't matter to them! Everything is valid and if you feel that you don't want to put a label on your sexuality then do whatever makes you happy and comfortable in your own light.
Anonymous
December 4th, 2017 4:09am
I do not think so. It is not that we need to note it on our CV or something. I also choose not to identify myself. I consider myself as a part of LGBT but with what? That part was complicated, because I am not really sure about my sexual orientation but I stopped thinking about as it was making me nervous. Just do whatever makes you feel better.
Anonymous
November 27th, 2017 10:47pm
Not at all, you can be what or who you wish. The Q in LGBTQ means Queer, which is an umbrella term for everything else, which means you can choose whatever you wish, or not, all up to you c:
EndlesslyDreaming
November 21st, 2017 3:56pm
No! every one is unique and special! you are you and you should be you!!! Don't label yourself if you feel you don't need to. for most I would think its more of a way to legitimize it. to feel more confident!
wonderfullFireworks64
October 17th, 2017 5:06pm
You don't have to identify yourself on the LBGTQ spectre. Actually, that's what the "Q" means - questioning. You have time to figure it out.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2017 5:23am
You don't have to identify with anything if that's what you prefer. You can identify with anything you want to, and you don't need a label.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2016 1:33am
It's your decision, if you don't want to identify yourself it's okay, you should do what you think it's best.
SnoOnTheBluff
October 24th, 2016 2:05pm
I have always said that the need for a label is silly, but that was before I realized that I needed a good one. Once i realized I was asexual and not a broken human I was free! But that label I can keep to myself, I don't need to share it with everyone. That is up to the person who has decided or has not been able to decide where they are on the spectrum.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2016 10:46pm
You do not. Go forth with your life and feel free to love whomever catches your fancy. It is not necessary to feel you must identify. You got this, man. Good luck!
avvvvvhotpotatojkimnothot
May 17th, 2016 4:05pm
No, you can screw labels if you want to, it is fully up to you and you can only be responsible for that decision
Anonymous
March 22nd, 2016 1:06am
Not if you don't want to, no! You're in control of how you identify yourself. You only need to identify yourself with what you truly feel you want or need to.
Greatlistener87
March 21st, 2016 6:30am
Not necessarily , it is your choice whether to do so or not. Make sure the reason that you are doing so is for you and no one else.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 7:03pm
Personally I don't feel you need to identify as anything. It's your own choice. If you feel you identify as LGBTQ then great, I'm happy you've discovered this about yourself, if not then that's okay. Nobody should ever feel they HAVE to identify as something, it's all personal choice based on what's best for you! :)
BeFair
September 30th, 2015 6:33pm
No, but you should always, ALWAYS, be clear about the fact that you haven't labeled your sexuality when you date someone.
CHRISTI2016
July 30th, 2015 4:29am
In my mind, sexuality is not something you need to proclaim. It can be something very private or something you share with others. The extent to which you identify yourself on the LGBTQ scale is a completely personal choice.
rose1novocaine
July 21st, 2015 11:17pm
If you don't feel comfortable/ don't want to identify yourself on the LGBTQ spectre then you can do whatever makes you comfortable!
Oreo
July 21st, 2015 5:28pm
No. The Q stands for "Queer" which basically just means "not straight" (it has other implications, but that's basically what it means. So you don't really have to establish your sexual identity to know you're not straight.
MonBon
June 23rd, 2015 4:32pm
No, labels are comfortable for some, but unnecessary for others. Your sexuality, romantic preferences, and gender identity aren't really anyone else's business other than your own, so if you don't feel like identifying yourself then don't!
SerotonintheBettaFish
June 18th, 2015 12:10am
Some people chose to pick a label, some do not. It is compleatly a personal choice, and is respected among many in the LGBT community
MajesticEmbrace61
May 11th, 2015 2:32pm
Absolutely not. The community is all about giving a safe space to people that can't find it elsewhere. It would never force a label on you. Labels can be helpful to some, giving a sense of belonging, protection and community, but it can also be very restricting and sufucating to others. It's all about what makes you comfortable. You can be whatever you feel like it, and not justify it to anyone.
spesh98
May 6th, 2015 5:37am
no , the only tag you need is human and honestly you don't even need that tag! a label isn't nesesarry is doesn't define who you are
kindheartedSky78
April 12th, 2015 5:43pm
I would say that you have a choice as to how you identify yourself. You can identify yourself with whatever you choose.
skovbakken
March 14th, 2015 2:26am
The rainbow flag tells it all--you can identify however you'd like! Maybe you identity with some gender identity more than another, but still feel ties to both...there are people who understand and accept who you are and where you are coming from. You are your own color. Be the best individual color you can be. And all the other colors will come together and you'll find your right people.