Love, Incorporated
By Rachel Gallagher
6-15-12
How many times have you labeled yourself in the lifestyle? How many times has someone said you were this label and/or that label all because of your appearance? Why do we as a society feel that we need to fit inside a box of how other people see us? Why do we care about what people label us as?
I had the pleasure of attending the Pittsburgh Gay Pride 2012 event. This was my first pride. I had such a lovely time and really enjoyed my time. It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of being around so many wonderful people. I met new friends and shared wonderful moments with old friends.
I have seen many people and in seeing them I realized how each and every one was independent in their own way. Not one of these wonderful people seemed to fit in a box or a label. So why do we keep trying to label ourselves? what is so wrong with being an individual? Why must we stick to the labels of butch, femme, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc. Why can't I just be ME?
It seems that even though most of us do not fight these labels we still tend to try to fight into them. I don't like labels. I have never liked to be the one to fight into a box and let other people tell me who I am. I am me. Take me for my actions and you will know the real me. Please don't put me in a box or label me. I am an individual and that is who I plan to be.
Stop being a person who uses labels and fits inside a box. The world is more fun and enjoyable when you can be yourself. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to be a label. Stop trying to fight a title that clearly is not you. Be yourself and you will be a lot happier. Live outside the box, live outside the label, live to be yourself.