What makes you feel empowered in your identity?

Knowing queer people have existed on earth since our human story began 233,000 years ago gives me strength, particularly since so many folk across the globe do everything in their power to ignore and erase this simple truth. Our history as queer people is part of creation itself—dating back billions of years—and I look to the stars in the sky to ground myself in this reality.

What does your 2SLGBTQ+ identity mean to you?

As queer people, our strength is in the mirror and in our history. We’ve written renowned literature, created cinematic masterpieces, produced memorable music, governed, designed exquisite architecture, painted across canvases, landscaped lawns and gardens.

During moments of despair, I hold tight to names like Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Harvey Milk, Sylvia Rivera, Gore Vidal, Kevin Williamson, ACT UP, Queer Nation. As I remind my students, everyday people are capable of the extraordinary. 

What is one (or more) of your favorite things about yourself? 

Dedicating myself to lifelong learning, self awareness, and growth. My laugh and freckles. How my mind devours horror stories. My curiosity for old and new music across genres. My empathy and boundaries. My desire to explore cities, particularly on a bike, sidewalk, or public transit. My love of a good solo road trip.