We Are Here To Stay

We Are Here To Stay

Poem by Jolie Brownell & Photos by Maeve Sullivan

We are uninterested in 

Your narrow notion of what 

You deem acceptable,

We see little self-respect in 

striving to become your near impossible 

ideal of respectable,

We see no value in

Denying parts of ourselves 

Just so we can fit into your exclusionary 
Definition of lovable.

So we say no to being forced to choose

one or the other,

We equate this with the lack of choice.

We are queer. fluid. non-binary. 

We are here to uproot your 

Binary created ultimately to uphold 

Heteropatriarchic white supremacy.

We are here to reclaim 

Our expressionality.

Our sexuality.

Our humanity. 

For there is no room for your 

Opinion. Hatred. Or phobia.

In how we choose to identify, 

In who we choose to love.

So watch us take up space 

Fully. Defiantly. Radically.

We are here to stay.

- Jolie Brownell