This is adapted from the personal statement that got me into grad school, so I must have said something right. And in honor of Bisexual Health Awareness Month, I’d like to share it.

“Queer” is an important word for me. I enjoy employing its multiple meanings. It can be a noun or a descriptor, singular or plural, and comes with as many definitions as there are unique individuals that claim it. It speaks to an identity as well as a community, two things I’d never felt I had until just two months ago upon coming out. Of course, the word also has a loaded history, but I revel in its power.

a poem on strength