# data[].attributes.headline
In what ways have you benefited from belonging to a cultural group?

# data[].attributes.subject
In what ways have you benefited from belonging to a cultural group?

# data[].attributes.body
Using labels to define myself gives me opportunity to make connections, as well as opens doors to resources and education that may be harder to find without defining labels. I can find more relevant advice, and friends with similarities. Being able to find a community can give you a better sense of self and more tools to improve your life according to your culture and disadvantages.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does your cultural identity affect your relationships with other Canadians?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does your cultural identity affect your relationships with other Canadians?

# data[].attributes.body
Being LGBT is still seen as controversial for some, and can bring discrimination and cause rifts between me and other people who "dont agree" with who I am as a person. Being able to identify defining labels has given me opportunities to make connections and friends with things in common, having a similarity can strengthen a relationship, new or old. Being Bilingual has given me the resources to talk to more canadians or impress monolingual canadians. Being lower class I was frequently treated as "less" than my peers growing up and has created more obstacles to overcome, while it will never be fair it can only make me stronger and more resilient.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is your cultural identity a defining factor in your life or how you see the world?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is your cultural identity a defining factor in your life or how you see the world?

# data[].attributes.body
Visually, some can tell that I am part of certain communities. I am obviously white, short, teenaged and male. Though I can occasionally be visually identified as disabled or lgbt. Physically I celebrate different holidays and have different religious values. It becomes a cultural privilidge to be bilingual and have the ability to communicate with more people. Societally I am at a disadvantage being part of minority groups but in Western culture I am grateful to find easier acceptance. Perspective comes from experience so the things I have accomplished, negative or positive, have impacted my worldview.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does your culture influence your day to day life?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does your culture influence your day to day life?

# data[].attributes.body
Personally I celebrate Holidays like Beltane, Samhain, Yule, Imbloc, Mabon, Ostara, Litha and Lughnasadh, as well as birthdays. Being an LGBT individual as well as someone with disabilities can attract discrimination and hatred but its mostly out of misunderstanding/fear/confusion than actual anger. Being Bilingual gives me a small advantage when it comes to income, job opportunities, communication and connections. Being a lower class citizen with very little annual income comes with its disadvantages, but I have access to an education which is highly valued.

# data[].attributes.body
-LGBT+
-Brother
-Western Culture
-Bilingual
-Pagan
-Disabled
-Highschool Education
-White
-Teenaged
-Lower Class Income

# data[].attributes.body
My Name is Damien Buchanan, I am a transgender seventeen year old male. I have been in a relationship for nearly 3 years. I am still finishing my highschool education but am fluent in 2 languages. I identify as an Eclectic Pagan, and have a Progressive Left political allignment. I am a physically disabled and mentally ill individual. My family originates from Scottland and the Ukraine, but my direct relatives have only lived in Canada.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, while not everyone has a clear identity, visually or personally, everyone can apply defining labels to themselves and find themselves included in at least one community with a collective similarity.