I am...

I am Black queer.

I am Rick James and Audre Lorde

I am bell hooks and James Baldwin

I am Sylvester and Sister Lester,

The old queen from home who taught the girls how to thrive and survive

With nickels and thread, tenacity and grace.

I am Black queer

In slacks at noon and back-seam stockings at midnight.

I am me and I am great.

I am Black and I am queer.

I am here and I am staying.