How Much Does Your Sexuality Define You?

What makes you, you? With identity meaning different things to different people, we spoke to some of our LGBTQ+ grads to find out; Does sexuality or gender identity help shape who we are? Or should nobody let ‘labels’ define them? 

NCS Grad, Daisy

I’ve known since the age of 12 that I wasn’t straight, but constantly trying to cram myself under a label brought me a lot of confusion rather than happiness. Once I turned 18, I decided to give up labelling myself; the fact that I am queer will always be a part of me, but I prefer to define myself as just me.

NCS Grad, Harmony

I feel as I grow up my view of labels has changed. At the beginning I settled with bisexual but now I feel more comfortable identifying as a lesbian - although it took me several months to be okay with using that term due to a lot of stigma around it. 

In my opinion, my sexuality isn’t something that defines me but I’m proud of who I am and I wish that 13-year-old me knew that it really isn’t that much of a big deal!

NCS Grad, Luke

I make a conscious effort to keep my sexuality separate from my personality; I do this because I have found that labels do not always help. I believe that sexuality is a spectrum for everyone, and that it can change over time. 

I prefer to remain open-minded, and allow my sexuality to be a product of my circumstance, not restricting myself to pre-defined social norms.

NCS Grad, Kajaanie 

For me, sexuality is simply a small part of my identity. I identify as bisexual but if I was to introduce myself it’s not the first thing I would say. I am a lot more than just my sexuality but the ability to even label myself freely is incredibly empowering in a world which is still coming to terms with the LGBTQ+ movement.

NCS Grad, Maya

My sexuality plays a massive role in who I am, it influences my day-to-day actions and experiences, but it doesn’t define me. 

I like boys, girls and everyone in between, I just don’t enjoy being restricted by a label. Therefore I no longer use them and will happily describe my sexuality to people who ask.

NCS Grad, Anonymous

Labels can be liberating for some but I’ve found finding a label that fits to be difficult and restrictive. It’s taken time, but I’ve found it’s enough to simply exist freely and be ok with who you are.

Want to hear from more of our LGBTQ+ grads? Have a read of their inspirational stories here.