Why I self-identify as queer:

People are amazing. The eyes of a human being reflect the world. We are different, and in that difference lies our wealth. We are the same, and in that sameness lies the essence that bonds us, each with the other. I believe in people dissenting when necessary, and standing together when possible. I believe there is power in numbers. I believe in unity. I believe in freedom. Many disparate parts must combine to make us whole.

The face of the world is heterosexual. Because the face of the world is heterosexual, we define ourselves not in opposition to this face, but as different from it. We are queer. That one word can encompass everyone.

We could be gay and lesbian and bisexual and sexual and a thousand other things, and indeed we may be, in our private hearts, in our private thoughts and feelings. But politically, we must be queer. Or they will divide us; and we will divide ourselves.

I embrace queer as the childhood fantasy. I am magical. I am different. I am beautiful. I can fly with the birds. I can talk to the kittens. Everyone is my friend. I can think freely, cry freely, laugh freely, love freely. I am queer. I am beautiful. I am worthy of love. And so are you.

Take up your freedom. Take up your weapons. Open your heart, open your hands, and join them with others. Queer is not being divided. Queer is rejecting the lies.

For me, to be queer is to be whole.

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