Intersex

The glow of a distant city beneath a desert sky full of stars.

i am the words i speak, i’m the things i do, i’m not how i look, or the things i accrue. you try to define me with the simplest of words but i’m far beyond that, though you think it absurd.

[continue]. . .

Black, plastic letters spelling out "ASK MY PRONOUNS" on a reusable, wood-framed square sign, nestled on a wrinkled rainbow PRIDE flag.

I hope you will join me in this act of solidarity as I stand up for those who are being forced to assimilate with a societal construct that does not fit them or reflect their lived experience.

(377 words)

[continue]. . .

A cool-toned photo of human arms, with chains wrapped around their wrists, hands raised above a crowd. The chain between their wrists is breaking, expressing the message of gained freedom through fight.

Liberty is having agency over one’s own destiny and decisions. Liberty cannot truly exist without the ability to govern what happens to and with one’s own body.

[continue]. . .

The side profile of a woman, covered in gold paint makeup, she has her index finger held up in front of her pursed lips, displaying the universally recognized sign, 'Hush!'

Don’t tell anyone.
They can’t know about you,
that you’re different,
weird, unacceptable, unforgivable.

Don’t tell anyone.
They might think it was my fault.

[continue]. . .

burning orange candles close up (Image: Ivan Kmit)

We are still unable to protect ourselves
and our trans siblings from the destructive power of propaganda, bigotry, hatred, and violence that are still part
of daily life for marginalized communities around the world.

[continue]. . .