To be or not to be? We live in a society that likes to label things as it helps with communication; that is why we have language. We no longer dwell in caves where the single syllable grunt is how we convey things. It is fashionable these days for people to reject labels on sexuality and gender, yet at the same time them turn up to the rainbow pride events and celebrate queerness with a sense of belonging. Ironic isn't it? Shakespeare got there years ago: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. You are who you are. Whether you choose to label yourself or not is really quite semantic. In conversations with many people who eschew labels the concept and discussions around homophobia still arise. Which begs the question: how can people who are actively not ‘homo' experience homophobia? Why turn up to a pride event to a community you don't identify with? The struggle for people to be who they are and express their gender identity and sexuality has only ever about the labels, perceptions and stereotypes. The power we have in owing the labels, in adding to their definition and in challenging the stereotypes is what has allowed us to enjoy what we have today. Our identity is core to our being. Our identity is shaped by more than just one thing, or one single aspect of our character. It is shaped by the many labels we apply to ourselves. My life is strong because I can stand up proudly and state what I am, not what I am not. A man, father, partner, gay, singer, actor, cook, community worker, counsellor, writer… Perhaps you are one of the people who does not like the labels of the queer world. Fair enough that is your choice so don't use them. But on the same terms please do not expect to benefit from sharing in our pride. If you really want to identify as being part of the rainbow community then honour the lesbians, gays and trans people who stood up and protested for you rights to have your gender recognised and your sex lives validated. If you are a man who has sex with men, a woman who has sex with women, or a trans person, then you already have a label whether you like it or not. Identity gives us strength, character, conflict, passion, love, joy, community and pride. Be who you are in all of your facets. Sexuality and gender can be fluid and we can change our labels as we change our lives; but please do not pretend they don't exist - our lives are richer for them. Vaughan Meneses - 24th March 2011