Labels

Labeling is something I've always detested. Along the same lines as what I mentioned in my earlier post - "Sexuality" - I find that labeling is society's futile and immoral attempt at defining the undefinable.

What does it mean to be 'gay'?  Does it mean you're a butch, manly woman, or an effeminate, flamboyant man?  If you're gay, do you have to have to be interested in fashion and theater?  Of course not.  These are stereotypes - and I find that people seem to have the understanding that stereotypes which aren't blatantly denigrating are somehow acceptable.  The stereotypes associated with homosexuality may not intrinsically state that it's inferior to heterosexuality, but when it creates an expectation for a gay man to be fashionable (and conversely, for a straight man to be unfashionable), it becomes completely disparaging.

The image that society views when hearing "dyke" or "queer" will always be wrong.  It will be wrong for as long as it has a stereotype for gays.  There is no such thing as a "gay" personality, or a "gay" look.  Personality is not defined by sexuality.

This brings me to the problem within the gay community itself, and the problem of its rampant self-labeling.  I've heard a gay man once explain his interest in interior designing with, "it's because I'm gay!"  See my above paragraphs for my response to that. While I have no problem with being called a twink simply because I'm young and cute, the image of my personality is not something that should ever be based on the label of "twink", or "bear".

If you think that I'm a "preppy party boy...who will most likely get drunk and flirty (likely with an older guy)" and "think its cute to act dumb and...idolize Paris Hilton or Britney Spears," then you are sorely mistaken, 'mike t' from yahoo.answers. "Gaydar" is applicable only to outward mannerisms (effeminacy or butch-ness) - which is not equitable to sexuality.  Gay men and women come in all colors of their rainbow, and that is something that should neither be celebrated or ostracized. Society must simply come to the realization that sexuality does not create difference between people.

Is he gay? or straight? or really even a man? There is no ability - nor necessity - to determine.

Gay pride parades are what I find as the epitome of detrimental labeling.  They advocate flamboyance, then label it as the representation of the gay community.  This will never be beneficial to reaching acceptance of homosexuality, despite the intrinsic benefits of the community they create.

Why would someone proclaim their pride in being gay any more than they would proclaim their pride in being human?  Both are equally insignificant in terms of actual identity.