MTSE intern Aleeyaa Alam is a public health professional and advocate passionate about sexual health, youth advocacy, and meaningful communication. Throughout her work, she has seen how powerful language can be in helping people understand themselves and communicate their experiences to others. Knowing the right words for who we are can be empowering, especially for young people navigating questions of identity and belonging. But just as language evolves, so too can our understanding of ourselves. In recognition of Pride Month, this piece invites parents and young people to explore identity beyond the confines of labels while still recognizing the important role labels can play in self-discovery, belonging, and connection.