Navigating the pressure of labels

Exploring gender & sexual identity labels 💜

Quick summary 📝

1️⃣ Gender and sexual identity labels can be helpful, but at the same time they can be intimidating. You don't have to force a label on yourself, your identity is complete with or without one

2️⃣ For some people identity changes over time, and for others it stays the same. Both are completely normal

3️⃣ If you're unsure about your gender or sexual identity, give yourself time and space to figure it out, talk to trusted people, and explore resources

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Gender and sexual identity labels can be helpful in some ways. They can help you feel like you belong and help you connect with people who have had or are having similar experiences to you 💜

That being said, labels can also be limiting and intimidating. We get loads of questions from you asking about this.

So luna’s here to remind those of you feeling the pressure of this that:

👉 You don’t have to force a label: you might feel like you need to fit into a certain box to be accepted or to be understood, but that’s not true! With or without a label, you always have a complete identity

👉 Your identity can change over time: maybe you’ve labelled yourself one way before, but now you feel differently. That’s okay! For some people labels change, and for others they stay the same. Both are normal

👉 Be careful with social media: it can look like everyone online has it all figured out. But you’re only seeing a glimpse, and lots of people are still exploring too

So, what should you do if you’re feeling unsure about your gender or sexual identity? 

Give yourself time and space to figure things out. You don’t need to have all the answers right away.

You may also want to:

👉 Talk to people you trust, maybe a friend or a family member

👉 Look for resources that can help you learn more about the different sexual identities (luna has some really helpful pages on what these identities are in Learn)

👉 Remember that it’s okay to not have a label at all. You are valid no matter what

If you’d like to talk things through with someone who gets it, Switchboard’s LGBTQ+ helpline is free on 0800 0119 100, 10am to 10pm every day.

You can also call Childline any time on 0800 1111.

Figuring out gender and sexual identity can be a really tough process, but it’s important to remember that there’s no rush or pressure to label yourself if you’re not ready.

Also remember that whatever you decide on (whether that is a certain label or not), you always deserve to be treated with love, respect and understanding ❤️

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