growing queerly
it's not so different
i grew up queer, that is to say,
i grew up a child.
the passions i pursued were mine,
not imposed.
the delight and awe i felt for the world were genuine and keen.
i woke with the sun, excited for him to appear through the cracks in my curtains. we would greet each other warmly, offering promises of the day to come.
walking at night, i'd seek the moon, a dear and trusted friend. the dark would frighten me, but her gentle gaze hypnotized, and i would sing the soothing words she spoke while leading me home.
when i slept, i dreamed of flight, pursuit, and loss. i dreamed of war, survival, and sacrifice. i saw the indomitable nature of the human spirit, and the spirit of nature which informs us.
i felt fear with these dreams, but in time a language came, and the fear subsided– but with it, so, too,
the astonishment. a new fear settling in with age.
understanding:
the weapon against
wonder.
you see,
when i say that i grew up queer,
i mean
that i grew up a child.
that is to say, i marveled at the newness.
i felt easily, welcoming the unknown with a beckoning hand, ready to learn what it meant by extending space.
i followed my conscience, seeking justice fiercely for myself and others. an advocate with a steady hand.
i constructed without worry, building worlds safer to me and my friends.
a buoy, a lifeline, a raft
for not only myself.
i turned lemons into lemonade
and passed cups out to my neighbors.
About the Creator
kp
I am a non-binary, trans-masc writer. I work to dismantle internalized structures of oppression, such as the gender binary, class, and race. My writing is personal but anecdotally points to a larger political picture of systemic injustice.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (13)
Hi we are featuring your excellent Top Story in our Community Adventure Thread in The Vocal Social Society on Facebook and would love for you to join us there
"when i say that i grew up queer, i mean that i grew up a child." - that's such an interesting, mysterious line for me, as the literal meaning of "queer" is "peculiar", and the meaning of this line is, for me, just a child being unique, and I love that it can be interpreted in so many ways.🙂🩵
Very raw, very real. That good sour-ness, like fresh lemonade that's telling you something. Congrats on Top Story too!
Good 👍😊
These words look so satisfying next to each other, 'growing queerly'. I love how you talked about how you viewed the world as a child. Awe the moon and you. I agree the night is scary without the moon. But I was drawn in by this line, 'i would sing the soothing words she spoke'. Flight, pursuit and loss. These words definitely brought the nighttime, bedtime feels. It's crazy what age can take from us. You skillfully wove that into poetic play. Love how the repeat came. It really emotionally bond us to your story. Seeking justice fiercely for myself and others. A selfless person you are. Passed cups to your neighbours. Love that. I see where the photo came from. Very nice to put that line at the end. It held a meaning that creeps up on you. Outstanding work. Congra(tubelated) Top Story. Lol I know the word is wording. 🤗 ❤️ 🎉🎉
Congrats !!
Those last two lines, wow. That's a great use of a common phrase in a new context, and a great example of how simple yet impactful community building can be.
Beautiful. And congrats on a well-deserved TS!
This was stunning. You encompass queerness and the goodness of humanity so powerfully with your stark words. I loved how you tied your child self and their sense of freedom and fierce justice back to your own self and identity now. We never truly change that much from where we began, do we? 💙
What a beautiful meditation on wonder and authenticity! I love how you've linked queerness and childhood together, both that openness to the world, that refusal to let understanding dim the magic. The sun and moon as companions are such a sweet touch. Congratulations on your Top Story!
You put words to an experience I couldn’t easily describe - beautiful- brought tears to my eyes
This leaves such an impact, lingering vividly.
Aww. This is sweet and awesome. :3