Thoughts & Reflections
The Person Behind the Label
Boy George shared a reflection on X that I wanted to make room for here at CYV. He writes about trans people, belonging, and how easily the internet can turn someone’s life into an argument.
One line especially stayed with me:
“My belief in someone’s right to live safely does not depend on them liking me.”
— Boy George
That says so much. We can disagree with someone—even fall out with them—and still believe they deserve dignity and safety. One difficult experience should never become a reason to turn against an entire community.
Read George’s full post on X ↗
In his post, George remembers first reading about April Ashley as a child, later meeting her, and eventually photographing her. He also recalls being turned away from gay venues because of how he dressed. Even somewhere you hope to belong, acceptance isn’t always guaranteed.
This subject is close to my heart, too. I’ve had a friend who is trans, and gender was never what defined our friendship. What mattered was the person, the connection we shared, and how we treated each other.
When George talks on BGFM about labels being for clothes rather than people, I understand the feeling behind it. Gay, straight, bi, trans… I want to know you. I respect how you identify, and I also want to know what makes you laugh, what you love, and what matters to you. There is so much more to each of us.
His song “She Was Never He” belongs alongside this conversation. Through its stories, we hear the longing to be loved, the fear of rejection, and the wish to live as yourself.
I’m also sharing my fan edit—another way to connect with the song and the stories it tells. 💜
For me, it comes back to seeing the person, respecting their humanity, and giving each other room to live. Friendship is personal, but dignity and safety belong to everyone.
If this speaks to you, share it with someone who might connect with it, too.
— Rachel 💜