walking through those doors
my eyes had been opened
but I was still just looking
through the shop window
it was all a celebration
of being true, of being you
but I hadn't a clue
who that was yet
I mean I shared a lot
with everyone present
but the glamor, the bling
the attitude and masks weren't me
maybe that was why they had all come
maybe that is why I had too
to be someone else
who wasn't rated less
to not be a second-class citizen
to not feel the backside
of your father's hand after he
found out who you really are
but to feel the acceptance
from familiar strangers and
love of self that you had
thrown away long ago
because every stare told you
you didn't deserve it
every sermon from the pulpit
every discriminatory law
every joke made at your expense
sold you the lie that you're not worthy
but the beating pulse
of the rhythmic bodies
the queen named Bruce
serving drinks at the bar
you watching me
watching him watching you
the tragedy of future lovers
and unforgettable loves that never were
the sweat and heat and flesh
and tears in lonely cocktails
all of this queer chaotic scene
told you not only are you more than worth it
but there's more than just you
you're not the island you were born as
not anymore, no longer
you are part of the most brilliant sea of souls
that illuminate the darkest parts of this life
