‘Can You Really Be a Queer Muslim?’: Intersectionality and the Complexity of Identity
‘Not Broken’: The Struggles of Being an Aromantic Allosexual
It’s hard for many to understand the concept of being sexually attracted to someone but not ever developing romantic feelings for them. To not feel an emotion like love is seen as inhuman; many assume aromantics are heartless psychopaths or mentally ill. Or that aromantic allosexual women are ‘sluts’, whilst men are seen as womanisers…
‘Bisexuality was Only Ever Presented as this Liminal Phase’: Discovering My Sexuality Amid Biphobia and Confusion
It’s so completely valid to go from identifying as bisexual to gay, straight or anything else. I only applaud those who share their truth and journey of identity so openly. But what I found difficult was the fact that bisexuality was only ever presented as this liminal phase, a space of transition between two identities. Not something one could wholly and firmly exist in…
The Self and the Significance of Intersectionality as a Queer POC
People often talk of self-love like it’s all happy thoughts, bubble baths, and sex toys. However, the conversation seems to be lacking an acknowledgement of the painful journey along the route to self-love for LGBTQIA+ POC, whose intersectional identities often require specifically tailored responses to mental health issues…
Gaysian: What it’s Like Being Queer in the Asian Community
In many Asian languages, including Vietnamese and Tagalog, there are no words to describe homosexuality or transgender people. Pride parades are almost unheard of and can quickly turn into examples of police brutality…
‘Independent, Liberated, and Happy for the First Time in Years’: Coming Out as a Lesbian
The doubts, the guilt, and the confusion were constant for two whole years. I spent a lot of time in my bed, crying. Constantly battling my thoughts was exhausting. My boyfriend at the time was understanding, but I could tell that he was growing more and more concerned. Sexually, I felt nothing. I felt uncomfortable and repulsed, even after two years. But I always fantasised about women…
The Bi-Conundrum: Queer Identity in a Heterosexual Relationship
I’ve always found women beautiful. But, growing up in the Middle East, I never assumed it had anything to do with my sexuality. I never even met a queer person until I was sixteen. I did not understand what it meant to be queer. When I eventually made this discovery, I started questioning everything I thought I knew about myself…
Male, Female, Lesbian? The Quest to Find a Label That Fits When Womanhood Is a Spectrum
Lesbian noun: A woman who is sexually attracted to other women. (Oxford Dictionary) By definition, a lesbian is a woman. Therefore I, a lesbian, am a woman – I must be. The problem is, I didn’t want to be...
Reclaiming ‘Woman’, to Realise ‘Not’: Coming Out as Non-Binary
Was I proud to be a woman? I was, and I wasn’t. Some days, I was proud. Other days, I was uncomfortable. To be a woman is to be strong, in my eyes. I wanted to be strong like that. I am not a woman, though. Woman-ly, maybe. Feminine, some days. But woman? Not so much.
I Am No Longer Subjugating My Queerness: My Struggle Against Internalised Homophobia, Class Anxieties, and Compulsory Heterosexuality
I often experience my internalised homophobia as a kind of funhouse. As I walk through and try to find a way out (or rather, a way to come out), trick mirrors and shifting floors suspend me in a state of endless motion; I lose my path, unable to stare issues directly in the face, constantly ricocheting between and turning from them.