Why do I hesitate from calling myself "gay?"?

I know exactly what you mean!!!!! I have no problem saying that I like guys, but the word gay just makes me shiver. I don't know why, maybe I just associate it with a lot of negative streotyping. I'm not in denial at all, and my friends and family know what I am, but I just don't like that word.

I have never been fond of putting labels of any type, on any person, I feel we are all human beings, all individuals, but in saying that, now that I am myself just stepping "out" I have had to put a label on myself. I'm a little afraid of it myself, maybe because society will treat me differently, or maybe because we are conditioned from such an early age, but mostly I think its rather strange that if you are LGBT you have to proclaim your orientation while there are no heteros announcing their sexuality. If they don't have to make an announcement why should I? Can't I just be me, an individual, & leave it at that?

In saying all that I also understand that declaring your orientation does let it be known to others of the same mind.

I'm guessing I wasn't of much help but wanted to let you know you aren't alone.

because there is a huge social stigma with sexuality being expressed in what ever form (language), you are a part of the community in the way that you wish to disassociate yourself with such things(sexuality) even though this clashes with the topic at hand.

"straight" people, for lack of a better word would have problems expressing them selves in such a manner as well, but alas this may be a focal point in your life.

if i where to classify this I would say that the gay stigma is a lowerhouse to the sexuality stigma, so even if you have no qualms about the gay one the this is superseded by the more abstract sexual one.

I go through the same thing don't worry your not alone. I know I am a lesbian but I alway get a sick feeling every time I have to call myself that. I have even told friends that I am bi (couldn't pull off straight=-) just so I wouldn't have to say it. I think it's just because it's an admittance of being different which is just something you don't want to do. It's just gonna take time I think

Some people are naturally afraid to label them selves as gay and its okay. Sometimes people do it because subconsciously don't want to be gay or admit that they are gay. But just keep telling your self that you cant change what you are and that there is no problem with being gay.

I'm 100% gay, and not in the closet -- but I really never refer to myself as "gay."

When I meet someone, I don't make it a point to tell them I'm gay. But if someone asks me, I tell them the truth.

Hell, I never even "came out" to anyone by making a big, dramatic announcement. I would have felt odd doing so -- my sexuality is completely normal and innate, so there's really nothing to explain or even rationalize to anyone. I've just lived my life, and let others draw their own conclusions.

Hell, if anyone ever asked me to describe myself in one word, that word would not be "gay" -- it would be "artist" or "human." My sexuality is very important to me, but it's not the primary focus of my life.

So, if you don't want to label yourself anything, then don't -- there's no law forcing you to do so, nor are you compelled to tell every person you meet every detail of your life. :-)

it might be youve gotten a bad stereo type of the gay community and feel uncomfortable with people associating u with that or maybe u just dont like labels i hope i dont sound like a prude :P but i hope it helps even just a little

I guess in my mind.

Straights Right Gays' Wrong Geuss I'm stuck in the middle.

Never went either way though!

i think it would be like admitting or confirming that you are what homophobes say we are Or the just an unconscious fear of persecution if admitted or you dont agree with the life style coz of what you'v been brought up to beleive....hell i dont know...

pansexual?

umm its prob cos you dont want to be put in a box, like this is what you should be into, dress, fancy etc........dont label yourself if it dont fit!