Identity

Finding out who they really are is a goal that people strive to achieve most of their life. People go through many processes and trials to figure out their identity and to portray it in a way that shouts who they are. Ultimately once you find this identity, you change bits and pieces depending on who you come in contact with and what they say to you. People are either found, lost, or looking. However, in one instant their world can be turned upside down and they can become found, lost or looking.

In Peter Block's book, he talks about belonging to something and becoming a part of it. To me feeling wanted and needed is a big part of forming ones identity. If you don't feel needed in some way, what is the point of being there at all? Finding a way to make a difference is a very rewarding experience. Not only does it help someone else, but it also makes you feel worthwhile. It prods you to make other decisions that reflect who you want to be, and could end up forming a part of your identity. Belonging to a community teaches people to be selfless, and work together to accomplish a goal. In a community you can use your gifts to accomplish things. This builds self confidence on the road to finding your identity.

In the article I found, identity is one of the focal points. The article talks about community music and the New York City Gay Men's Chorus. It mentions how minority groups are always working towards social acceptance and belonging. Becoming part of a community that accepts who you are helps strengthen your identity and how you perceive yourself and others around you. In this case music brought together this community and helped unify a group searching for acceptance in other communities.

By forming their own "community" the GLBT (Gay/Lesbian/Bi-sexual/Transgender) community has forged changes in how society perceives them, and they have used their talents and gifts to bring together people who might have treated them differently had they not experienced what this community can and will do. In this way the GLBT has played their part in shaping their own identities and the identity of others around them.