The language is a powerful tool that helps you affirm your identity, share experiences and feel safe in front of others. While in the vast majority of cases imposed labels are a source of oppression, when they are chosen it can be a liberation that allows us to connect with others who share the same experience and thus be part of a community.
That is another reason why visibility is so important. When other people, especially celebrities, are recognized and come out in public to show the reality that many people live in silence, it is very powerful and transforming for those who are isolated.
A few weeks ago, Demi Lovato shared with their fans and the general public on social media that from now on they would prefer to be referred to with the neutral personal pronouns as they identify as a non-binary person. The fact that more and more celebrities are coming out in public and sending a message of commitment to the community has a great impact on the culture and the future of many people.
In their statement on twitter they maintained, “Every day we wake up, we are given another chance and opportunity to be who we want and desire to be.” “I've spent most of my life growing up in front of all of you…you've seen the good, the bad, and everything in between.” Referring to their recent documentary where they also told about their drug use and how close they came to death by overdose.
They ended with the following message: “I'm doing this for those who haven't been able to share who they really are with their loved ones,” Lovato added. “Please continue to live in your truths and know that I'm sending you lots of love.”
