Labels are complicated things. Once a label is attached to you, whether you voluntarily adopt it or someone else bestows you with it, it can be hard to be rid of it. Labels bring judgement, positive and negative. Many would argue the drawbacks of labels outweigh the benefits.  I don't see it that way. I started collecting labels years ago and don't know if I'll ever stop. They define me. They guide me. They lend purpose and clarity to my life. 

I say, get out the labeler and let your identity hang out for all to see. 

But what about those who target members of a group because of that very identity?  What do we do in the face of a horrific tragedy such as the mass shooting in Orlando on Sunday? 

Maybe it isn't quite so black and white. 

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