The youtuber, Vera, thinks labels are both helpful and harmful, they’re reductive but they are also useful for communication. Sometimes when people don’t have a strong sense of self, they can latch onto a label and try to check all the boxes associated with being that label as a way to create their identity.

Vera thinks labels can become harmful when the person defines themselves by their identity label rather than just using the label as a way to communicate what they already are. She gives an example of how a butch wouldn’t pursue romance with anyone but femmes because they identified as butch, and how this is an example of a label or identity can be harmful by becoming unnecessarily restrictive.

Vera insists labels are also very powerful and can be positive, as they can give a sense of shared connection and affirmation. Finally Vera says it’s OK to change labels because people and feelings change.