Labels Belong On Bottles Not People: Stop Defining People by Labels
Editor’s Note by Brendan McDonald: At URevolution, we believe that language has the power to liberate or limit. In this article, South African educator Charles Adam shares his deeply personal journey of defying societal labels—offering a raw, moving perspective on what it means to live authentically. His message, "Labels are for bottles, not people," aligns powerfully with our mission to challenge stigma and celebrate the beauty of human complexity. Whether you're neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, chronically ill, or simply tired of being boxed in—this story is for you.
💬 A powerful story on why identity should never be reduced to a label
🧠 Explores how labels harm neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and marginalized voices.
🙌 Advocates for radical self-definition, authenticity, and inclusive language.
Guide: Labels Belong on Bottles not People
Labels Are for Bottles, Not People: A Story of Self-Definition
Labels are everywhere—from bottles to how we define our gender, race, and sexuality to how we classify mental health and disability. While categories and labels can provide clarity, they can also trap us. Labels often flatten human complexity, forcing people into neat boxes that don't reflect the depth of who they really are.
For Charles Adam, a teacher and department head in South Africa, these labels were both suffocating and defining. But ultimately, they were something to break free from.
The Problem With Labels
"I was boxed in by religious beliefs, family, and social norms and values. I followed my own personal convictions to come out of the closet at University age 22, only to then be placed into another box. Mom's words, when I had sat her down to explain to her what I was going through, were, 'Son, are you sure this is not a phase. ' Probably was at the time, but...
I am Charles Adams. I identify as Charles. I have and will always be just that-Charles on a mission to take on whatever comes my way. I do not conform or define to the expectations of others but rather to my ideal of what I see for me-never leaving God out of any of these choices.
When Labels Don’t Fit: Faith, Family, and Living Beyond Expectations
My mother would always say, 'When we visit aunt and uncle so and so, just introduce him as a friend because that generation won't understand,' but I knew in my heart my mom was, in her own way, suffering with my choices, but nevertheless was very loving and supporting. For her, suffering was a test of faith.
I come from a strict Catholic upbringing in that if you fall into the act of homosexuality, your soul is doomed. I still am Catholic and practice and worship there. My mother is very involved in the church. My late father was a political leader and mechanic by trade, a very supportive husband, and a devoted father with strong opinions about homosexuality.
My late eldest brother never married but devoted his living years living with a woman twice his age with her own children and, at that time, a grandmother of two. My younger brother is transgender, and I am the second born. A diversely and divinely favored family.
"Know what you want, don't settle for less ... Labels belong on bottles not people.”
Growing Up Unlabeled: Love, Identity, and Defying Expectations
Growing up in a small town where everybody knows everything about you did have its challenges. But I grew a thick skin to comments and embraced every experience in my own stride. Like all boys in the tender years of my time, I did what all boys do: play, fight, cry, go fishing, get into all sorts of trouble, and being very experimental. I particularly enjoyed weekends because our home was the halfway stop for every one of our friends and peer cousins. So, we always had a full house. I got to play soccer, cricket, or to play with doll houses.
In my high school years, around Grade 10, I finally got a girlfriend. It was my matriculation year, after full 2 years in a relationship, when everything changed. I started to question my sexuality more and wanted to know 'why do I feel the same feeling towards my girlfriend as I do when I look at a person of the same gender?' Was it a sexual desire or an emotional attachment?
I've always been of the belief that a life commitment is to one person, so I spent many relationships with boys and girls, enjoying the process of elimination but realized I don't care about gender; I just love. I was taken up by one particular guy at a gay club in Durban back then, The Lounge, who swept me off my feet. (God rest his soul, shot and killed in the line of duty). It was then I realized I love all people but am both physically and sexually attracted more to the same gender. I am now in a 6-year committed relationship to whom my heart belongs. I never thought that I would be blessed to love and share this life and space with someone so special ever again.
"Labels can’t account for the richness of a person’s lived experience. They ignore nuance, fluidity, and change. They often reduce people to what makes them different rather than what makes them human."
Teaching Without Labels: How Authenticity Builds Trust in the Classroom
How has this affected the way I function as an educator and community leader?
Simple-I live my life and do my job. I live by the words, 'They will know I am Christian by my love.' For me being open about my sexual preference, I find it easier to communicate with learners and peers because the barriers are not there.
People find me approachable because I have no hidden agendas by living my authentic life. I'm so grateful that although the mindset of many is fused to a past of misinformation, misunderstandings, and false truths, this generation I am more hopeful for because most don't see labels (unless taught); they see me.
I currently teach at a primary school but have experience of 5 years at a high school too. The only differences are that primary school learners are more inquisitive. On the other hand, because I am open about who I am and what I stand for, with my high school learners, I gained respect and enjoyed my teaching experience.
From Labels to Liberation
What I would like to leave you with is this -how you identify yourself should not by labels but by how you want to live your life. Set your own rules that work for you, and know that there are no limits, only limitations.
Live life to the fullest. Be who you are to your learners and peers - you'll be respected more for that. Know what you want, don't settle for less. Lastly, labels belong on bottles not people."
To read a contrarian article to "Labels belong on bottles not people" read "The positive power of labels."
"Labels belong on bottles not people" was originally published on Education International and is republished here under Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0. It has been adapted to match URevolution's editorial style.
Charles Adams
Charles Adams, the author of "Labels belong on bottles not people," holds the position of teacher and also serves as the Head of Department at a primary school located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. For the past six years, Charles has been in a committed relationship with his partner, José, who specializes in teaching students with special needs.
