The Black Flamingo

by Dean Atta

You are a full human being. It’s never as simple as being half and half.

exactly

Her poetry is everything I hope mine could be one day, for somebody. Even if that somebody is me.

Saturday night, Daisy and I go to our first club: G-A-Y.

throwback!

I didn’t feel black enough for African Caribbean Society, I didn’t feel Greek enough for Hellenic Society, I didn’t feel queer enough for LGBT Society. But I’ve got to find a group that’s just right for me.

I can’t be your friend without calling this out. Your ignorance may be innocent but the racism is real.

Know your audience; if possible, see shows at the venue before you perform there. Know that your audience wants to be entertained. Know that you don’t necessarily have to give your audience or anyone what they want.

It’s Afrofuturism. It’s Afrocentrism. It’s black, black, blackity-black. It’s batty bwoy, sissy. It’s queer, gay, and faggy. It’s yours and it’s yours. It’s mine. It’s time to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

I felt queerness made me even less black.

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

yes yes yes

If your mother warns you about STDs within minutes of you coming out, try to understand that she loves you and is afraid.

hard