Labels & Identity Politics

CN: labels, identity politics, privilege.

Labels are an imperative in identifying oneself and finding community and solidarity with those who share, to an extent, that identification and that label. This is especially the case for marginalized groups such as non-binary peoples as we are ever fighting for the right to exist, the right to live, the right to be free of violence and harm done unto us, etc etc. Living in the structures and systems that we do now, we *need* these terms to identify ourselves because it is the only way we find our footing, our validity, find the help and solidarity we need. It is also how we come together as activists, to dismantle that which tries to dismantle us. Perhaps in a utopia or a perfect world, labels would not matter – but we are far, far from that yet.

How any one persons identifies is not better nor superior to the other - whether you use labels or traits. Just don't trivialize how one does us either or, or both.

Let's put this down right here: labels do not create unnecessary prejudice.

Being fearful of offending someone is normal and fair, but bear in mind the difference between that and those who are oppressed and reside in those labels and identities. No one is expecting anyone to remember all labels and identities that there are, or to get it right every time. If someone is offended because they have been mis-labeled, that is valid. Impact is greater than intent. Simply apologize and listen to them when they correct you.