The Black Flamingo

by Dean Atta

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you are half anything. You and Anna are simply brother and sister. Don’t let anyone tell you that she’s your half sister.

Rowan looks like if Ed Sheeran was handsome.

“do you reckon I can sit next to you?” She moves her bag from the seat next to her onto her lap. “Yeah,” she replies, “but I’m reading so just don’t talk to me.”

I realize with all the knowing in the world that my worst fear is to be without my family

It does kind of make sense and I’m relieved, in a way. It turns out my homophobic best friend is actually gay.

I like being around people this way. Somewhere I feel safe. I can retreat to my room if I want to at any time.

If their skin or racialized features matter more to you than the person within, that’s racism. I can’t be your friend without calling this out.

To have a loving family is to feel afraid and yet believe you are going to be all right.

Aesthetic isn’t everything but don’t look a mess . . . unless it’s on purpose. Do everything with purpose.

Correct those who say they knew before you did. That’s not how sexuality works, it’s yours to define.

Don’t worry, it’s okay to say you’re gay and later exchange it for something else that suits you, fits, feels better.

Watch movies that make it seem a little less scary: Beautiful Thing, Moonlight.