Labeling your Sexuality

[chiisaiaoiryu]

This is just something I'm curious about and wondering what you guys' and girls' take on this is. And sorry to the Mods if this isn't on the right thread. I just think that the topic is both philosophical and puberty-related in some fashion.

Personally, I don't put myself under a sexual label; i.e. straight, gay, bi, etc. A) I find no reason to separate myself from other normally sexually active people. And B) I find it to simply be more fuel for society to further segregate people into certain preordained groupings whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sex is basically an activity such as sports where people like it but prefer playing certain positions and in their own style.

For me, I don't tag myself with a sexual orientation as explained earlier. At the same time, I do like sex and, as of now, vastly prefer to do it with men ("as of now" because I've yet to have "straight" sex). I don't think of myself as gay nor do I see myself as bi. For me, I'm just a guy who prefers to have sex with other guys much like I prefer playing video games over doing homework. The labeling has no meaning for me.

What I'm getting at here is this: Do any of you believe that people need or have to be labeled as straight, gay, or bi simply because of how they prefer to have sex? (I'm not counting transexual/crossdressing in this because I see those as different lifestyles rather than having to solely do with sexual activities.) What is your take on the whole "sexual labeling" that society has us doing? Do you think it all that important or necessary for people to tag themselves with a sexual label?

EDIT: Please don't answer by redirecting the question/answer back to me. This question is not about me; it's just me wanting to know your opinion on the matter.

[Emerald Dream]

Puberty for Boys :arrow: Teen Sexuality and Gender

[jordanhardy]

I would say it's up to the individual as to whether they want to label themselves or not. I class myself as Bi as it's easier to explain that I'm attracted to pretty much everyone. I'm more attracted to the idea of sex than the gender I'm having sex with if that makes any sense.

[Vermilion]

I don't think you need label's however I do find that they help so you don't waste your time on someone that isn't into you, because of your sexuality. I don't know what I'd put myself as cos I'm not sure. So yes I like labels and hate them at the same time.

[WanderingHeart]

Well I guess it does depend on the person. At the moment I'm a lesbian (you never know, it might change) and I guess having that label 'lesbian' helps so that way I'm not confused about things.

BUT it would be amazing if there were no labels on sexuality. No more 'straight, gay, bi, pan, etc'.

Labels are a funny thing, really. We use them to define other people and ourselves. Society teaches us to seperate ourselves based on these labels. Not just sexuality, but race and religion, too. With that, we will never be able to get along. With that, the human race will never achieve true peace.

[Bull]

I do not wear a sexual orientation label. I see no point in it. I am sexual, what teen is not? That is not a label, that is just reality.

[Thomas01]

It's up to the person. I don't think anyone should be required to label themselves if they do not want to.

I am gay. I have only ever found guys sexually stimulating. I have yet to encounter a woman who gets me aroused. As a result, I actively seek out male companionship not female. However, if there is a woman who ever makes me sexually aroused, I'm pretty sure I would not mind.

I label myself gay because I actively look for guys to get with, not so much females becuase there is a miniscule chance of ever finding a woman who arouses me, but hey it could happen. It's just easier for me to label myself as gay in order to find male company.

I see what you mean about segregation and all, but then again it would happen even to people who don't label. As long as labeling is an option, segregation can and will probably be found. Plus, I'm sure there are people who label themselves gay/straight/bi/... Becaus they would ony ever consider that orientation.

It's only important to label yourself if you feel it is important.

[Luminous]

I don't really label my sexuality, mostly because I don't really know what it is and I don't really care too much to spend time dwelling on it. Finding labels aren't the most important things in the world. If you feel like you need one, then find one that fits you. If you don't, then don't. Simple as that.

[DoodleSnap]

I agree, but I still think that labels have their place; as a quick and easy way to describe one's sexual preferences.However, I do think that over-thinking and over-worrying about labels and how we adhere to them is a problem in society, and people should focus more on liking who they like, regardless of label, rather than feeling confined by someone else's box.

[Bull]

What if you have no one preference?

[jacshamy]

I wish there was no need for labels. I wish you could just be who you want to be and be with who you want to be with. I wish it didn't matter but I guess it does.

[Karkat]

Ok, a couple of things here

-I don't know if you meant to clump trans*gender into the whole "transvestitism/crossdressing" bit, but it kinda sounded like you did

Just wanted to point out that transgender is no more a lifestyle than you identifying with your parts. Carry on.

-Sexual orientation and sexuality can be more than just whom you have sex with.

Asexuals do not, generally speaking, have sex
BUT they might date. I have a friend who is a lesbian but never wants to have sex in her life. That's a-ok.

As far as a need for labels? Hmm, it might get awkward without them- sometimes I already feel the need to wear a giant sign that says "I'M REALLY NOT THAT INTERESTED IN YOU IF YOU HAVE A PENIS"

But hey, maybe I'm just an impatient twat who doesn't like dealing with thirsty males.

Arguably, by your logic, the words "artist", "musician", "gamer", "athlete", etc. should go out the window as well- because it shouldn't matter if we prefer doing one thing over another? (pardon the pun) {Maybe you should've chosen a better analogy?}

I don't feel like we NEED to label ourselves- I sure as hell don't/can't, but a lot, a LOT of people find it important.

I see it like the people who argue "mental disorders are just labels, you can just say you're having a hard time" BULL. SHIT. A lot of people find comfort, or even LIFE-SAVING TREATMENT in these "labels". Sure, it's a little less severe with sexuality labels, but the point is that a lot of people find comfort in them.

Hell, I know I stopped feeling so shitty when I discovered the term "bigender". Did it save my life? Eh, debatable. But it probably saved a lot of tears, sleepless hours, and poor body image.

[Microcosm]

I think the obvious answer is no, it's not necessary to label your sexuality. It's helpful in communication, though, to just say "Oh, I'm bi," or something like that. Saying something like "All gays are bad" is obviously one of the bad parts of labeling and I suppose it can really hurt you to label yourself. Personally, I just go with whoever or whatever is right for me when it comes to lovers. If I ever decide to love another male, then I will be ok with that and I hope everyone else will understand too. It doesn't really bother me if people aren't satisfied with it, anyway. I mean he would be my boyfriend if that were to happen, not their's. But I don't think it would ever happen because I do consider myself straight, but who knows.

[Abhorrence]

It's entirely an individual's choice whether or not they label themselves. I haven't overly labelled myself other than the fact I am a "cisgendered male." Sometimes sticking a label on your sexuality in your teen years is difficult because going through so many changes and so many different hormone levels, etc. can live you confused as to what you actually are.

[Jakie23]

For me, it was incredibly important to have a label so I knew who I was. I also felt that if I had a label, it would make it easier for me to explain myself to others. Its easier to just say I'm gay, than it is to go off and explain how I see myself