Shakesqueer; Volume II, Entry V
“Where you see terrorists
I see survivors
I know a girl
Who felt the world
Would be better off without her
The perspective of femininity
In some ways saved her life
I know a boy
Whose daily norms
Forget the path he's walked down
And he gives his friends the gift
Of learning how to do the same
I know a warrior
Who fights to find her place
Who finds beauty in abnormality
Who doesn't need to shout it
To feel pride within herself
I know a soul
Who feels trapped within himself
But when she writes he finds
That she will always have a place
And I've watched first hand
The conflict I have been through
Feeling lost in femininity
And out of place in manhood
Watching myself grow away
From dresses and long hair
Has made staying alive
Feel just that much easier
I've witnessed many people
Save their lives
With learning who they are
I've watched so many
Find the places
Where they get to feel safe
I've watched them hide
And watched them grow
And watched them lose their lives
But my friends are standing here
And my friends are standing proudly
My friends will never once relent
Where you see terrorists
I see survivors”
“Where You See Terrorists, I See Survivors”
6/6/26