Little & Lion

by Brandy Colbert

She’s one of the few I’ll allow to touch my hair without asking, a rule that sounds weird until you realize how many people are fascinated by black hair to the point of rudeness.

“Well, you don’t have to figure it out now.” DeeDee touches my arm. “Or ever. Just like who you like.”

Is there a hierarchy to mental illness?

but no one chooses a mental illness.

I don’t remember the first time Mom warned me about shopping while black, but I do remember the first time I noticed we were being followed around a store, even after we’d repeatedly told the sales associate we didn’t need any help.

that they’re just being greedy or doing it for attention or trying it on for size “before they cross over to full-on gay.”

People don’t really care if you like more than one person if you’re gay or straight, but if you say you’re bi, it’s different. Like the same rules don’t apply.”

But I don’t need her telling me what I am and what that means,

“Why? Bi, queer… it doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re happy. Just make sure you don’t let anyone tell you what you are. People can be real assholes about labels.”

with physical disabilities don’t understand why someone with depression can’t just get up and get on with their day like the rest of the world. It’s like they need a receipt that proves someone is actually going through some shit before they can care about them.

“It shouldn’t be the default, baby. I want you to be you, whoever that is.”