Who Am I?

The eternal question. So easy to answer, on the surface of it; "Me". As the Judeo-Christian God said in reply to the question, "I AM WHO I AM".

But beyond that? Who am I? The product of my circumstances? My thoughts? My actions? My opinions? My parents? My desires? My beliefs? Others' perceptions? Most likely all of that and a bit more.

I don't know why I'm going all existential, (I swear, I haven't touched a drop, gov...). Sometimes you've just got to go with it.

The question poses all sorts of philosophical possibilities. Are we always the same person? Are we unique? Is uniqueness equal with originality, or does it merely mean we are made up of all the same attributes, but in different proportions? Can you adequately describe a person, or must they be experienced? Or do we merely select and describe facets of people? As more things are revealed about someone, do they become a different person (at least in your mind)?

I daresay one could ponder such things for an eternity and still get nowhere. Philosophy and theology are like that, IMHO.

Why should I be describable? Categorical? Why should people fit into a box? Why define ourselves through our labels?

That last question hit something that has bothered me for a while, especially with regards to sexuality and "coming out". What does it matter if someone doesn't know my romantic inclinations?

I make no secret of my sexuality, nor do I advertise it. In certain necessary situations, I admit to being strategically vague. But I fail to comprehend the viewpoint recently expressed to me, that it's wrong to not actively tell people, because I am denying them knowledge of who I am.

It's as much a part of me as my love for Hobnobs and ginger biscuits, my dislike of hot climates, my critical observances, my fierce stubbornness and integrity, etc. But somehow, "gay" has become so much more in our society, to the point of taking us over almost entirely. The label defines us in peoples' eyes.

Why bring that judgement upon myself, at times when the subject is irrelevant? When the stereotype and baggage that so frequently comes with the "gay" label would cause nothing but strife?