My Sexuality Doesn't Define Me As A Person

Wait, My Sexuality Is Just... A Preference?

Okay, folks, let's talk about something potentially controversial. Prepare yourselves. This might shock you. My sexuality? It's not my entire personality.

I know, right? Mind. Blown.

I like people. Some are women, some are men, some are non-binary folks. And that's a cool part of me. But it's not all of me.

Beyond The Rainbow: My Other Talents

See, I also enjoy things like… pretending to be a functional adult. And failing miserably at it most days.

I also enjoy eating copious amounts of pizza. Arguing with my cat. Binge-watching documentaries about obscure historical figures.

These things also define me. Just a little bit, perhaps.

My sexuality is just one facet of this glorious, messy, pizza-loving human that I am.

The Danger of the Single Story

Have you heard about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie? She's amazing. Her TED Talk about the danger of a single story is incredibly important.

Reducing anyone to a single aspect of their identity is, well, reductive. It's like saying pizza is just dough and sauce.

Sure, those are key components. But what about the cheese? The toppings? The sheer joy it brings?

Sexuality, like dough and sauce, is important. But it's not the whole pizza. It's not the whole person.

We're all complex beings with layers of experiences, interests, and quirks.

My Superpowers (That Aren't Orientation-Related)

Okay, I'm not saying I have actual superpowers. Although, sometimes I convince myself I have minor telekinesis when I'm reaching for the TV remote.

But I'm pretty good at making people laugh. I write (obviously!). And I can parallel park like a boss (most of the time).

These talents have nothing to do with who I'm attracted to. They come from practice, passion, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

"The world isn't just straight or gay, black or white, male or female. It's everything and everyone. And reducing people to one thing is just lazy." - Me (Just now!)

So, What's The Big Deal?

The big deal is this: I want to be seen as a whole person. With all my flaws and fabulousness. Not just as "the gay one".

It's about breaking down stereotypes. It's about showing that LGBTQ+ people are just as diverse and multifaceted as anyone else.

Plus, it's exhausting to constantly have my identity revolve around my orientation.

Let's All Be More Than Our Labels

Let's celebrate all the things that make us unique. Our passions, our skills, our questionable fashion choices.

Let's ask people about their hobbies, their dreams, their favorite flavor of ice cream. Not just about who they're dating.

Let's create a world where everyone feels seen and valued for their whole selves, not just a single label.

So, next time you meet me, ask me about my latest writing project. Or my cat, Mittens the Destroyer. Or my questionable obsession with 80s synth-pop.

Just, you know, maybe don't lead with, "So, are you dating anyone?"

Because there's so much more to me than that. And there's so much more to you too.