act of defiance

You cannot erase me, for I am finally here.

I’ve fought hard for my right to take up space.

I will not disappear because it’s convenient for you.

Your attempts to use us as pawns

to divide us for your individual benefit

hold no power over me

for I finally know who I am.

I refuse to hold the fear and the hate

of those who don’t have capacity

to accept themselves.

You cannot erase me

for I’ve made it through the longest of cycles

shedding layers of grief and loss

and shame that was never mine to hold.

I’m thankful for my community.

I’m thankful for my sisters.

I’m thankful for the brave women that came before me.

The ones that were strong enough

to make themselves seen

in a word that wasn’t ready to see them.

They’ve built a path forward

for all of us that come after.

I appreciate your efforts.

And for those who haven’t joined us yet

I appreciate your bravery and your courage

in the fight you’re currently facing.

We’re ready to welcome you with open arms.

Progress isn’t linear.

It moves in cyclical waves, like tides of change.

Once they’ve begun, there’s no turning back.

We are here to stay, we fight until the end.

We fight like hell for everyone’s right

to exist in this world.

You cannot erase me, for I am deeply grateful

after all my life - to finally be here.