Page 103 of The Black Flamingo

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I continue,

“Before I came here

I didn’t want to wear a dress,

I didn’t want to be that stereotype.

I know that’s wrong,

my thinking was wrong;

the different ones

are often the most strong.

I know trans

and gender-nonconforming people

started our movements,

won our freedoms.

I’m a man

and I want to be a free one.

I’m a man

and I want to put a dress on.”

Mzz B says,

“Great monologue!

Keep that.

You can use it in your act.”

I feel safe in this room

with my new drag family;

I carry this room with me

for the rest of the week.

This room has many other

functions to other people,

just another room in the

Students’ Union building,

but when we meet here,

it’s a place without fear.

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