Lesbian and gay youth and the question of labels

Studies of non-heterosexual youth show a resistance to sexual labels. The term post-gay has been used to describe an identity undefined by labels, and is presented as evidence of a new sexual fluidity. Drawing on qualitative interviews with self-identified lesbian and gay youth from the north east of England, this article provides a different account of the use of labels. Instead of evidencing the rejection of labels, it shows how lesbian and gay young people use labels but question their meaning, adopting some meanings and resisting others. Questioning labels reflects the negotiation of boundaries of difference, as young people look beyond sexuality to build identities as ‘ordinary’ people.