I AM ‘QUEER’. GET USED TO ME.

You’re not my type.
I don’t think I want this now.
You’re too good for me.
I think we want different things in life.

Why do you have your hair long?
Do you want to be a woman?
Why don’t you just lose some weight?
How can he dress like that?

Nobody will like you if you look like this!
Get those teeth fixed!
You’re too smart!
I like MEN!

You really think you’re the cat’s whiskers, no?
I’m OK with being friends; just the love part’s kinda scary, cool?
Why can’t you love me as a straight man?
Why can’t you change?

The problem is men are intimidated by you.
That’s how gay men are.
Stop being self piteous.
I am not gay.

AND YET HERE I AM.
EIGHT YEARS LATER.
STILL HOPING.
I MAY NOT HAVE MUCH TO CELEBRATE.
BUT I DO HAVE ME!
AND THAT IS A FESTIVAL.
ONE THAT I HOPE NEVER ENDS.

I AM HERE. I AM ‘QUEER’. GET USED TO ME.

Pics © Saina Jayapal, 2010