Heteronormativity is its name,
the corset we live in
for too many years,
before realising we have a right
and a means to take it off.
Each soft kiss in small bedrooms shared;
another set of fingers that helped me untie the knots
and peel off the layers.
Each secret smile, each knowing glance
removing a new piece of cloth
exposing a pale patch of skin
young & untouched, but so ready to breathe
to be seen, in full light of day,
screaming, I am;
listen, I am
here, and unswayed
queer, and unafraid;
I am