That is what I am trying to say. I believe the road to that is to eliminate labels in that it is difficult, if not impossible, to have labels without attached stereotypes--or as you wisely put it "categories."

(A side note: I see that there are as many genders as there are individuals. We are all are own unique blend of being.)

I am not even keen on labels as vague interpretations, though I recognize that it is nearly impossible to avoid falling into that way of thinking about people. What you say about categories not doing that is a great point.

I am less optimistic than you that one can label oneself and achieve a non-mitigated and thus positive self-understanding. Of course, people who are oppressed and outcaste can find solace in a label that reveals to them that they are not alone.

When you say people need labels, I understand that you mean it in that way, and I do not disagree.

I liken it to someone who has been assaulted and is injured so needs crutches to walk. They need the help of the crutches, but only until they heal. After that, the crutches hold them back. A label, any label, is a crutch. It helps a person to heal, but eventually they need to put down the crutches and be themselves. That is because they were never a label. They were always themselves. Society labeled them and reclaiming the label is only step one in self-awareness, not the destination.

I hope that clarifies my thinking and feeling.