Ramzia, 22
“We’re always learning and our past is
essential to the core of who we are today.
That said, I wish I had known in the past
that my happiness was just as important
as those around me, and that sexuality is
nothing to be apologetic about.”
Bea, 22
“I wish people understood that having
your preferences sexualised by straight
men is more than just annoying. When
with a woman, feeling as though you are
being objectified as a couple and having the
relationship flippantly being referred to as
‘hot’ is tiring.The lack of respect really adds
up and weighs down on you. Discussing
same sex exes with straight male partners
has often made me feel violated and upset.”
Husna, 20
“I would tell my younger self that you are
who you are. You were not born a sin.
You were born this beautiful queer brown
woman. Be proud of who you are.”
Bella, 22
“I was an inpatient at an all girls hospital
from ages 13-16 and during that time I had
my first sexual experiences - all with fellow
females. I have always had a feeling i was
queer but didn’t focus on it as I came from
a very accepting family with other gay men,
so queerness has never been an issue to me.”
Issy, 20
“Being a queer woman isn’t as simple as
saying I like men and women equally. For
every bisexual woman, it is different and I
feel this is misinterpreted in the media a lot.
Bisexual women are often over sexualised
and presented as being confused or greedy.
It can be hurtful knowing that you aren’t
always accepted just because a part of you
is attracted to the opposite sex.”
Dulcie, 20
“I wish queer women weren’t sexualised so
much. When people tell me it’s a shame that
I’m gay or that it’s a waste, it can be pretty
hurtful.”
S, 19
“I think there is an unspoken divide in the
community. As a brown woman I haven’t felt
welcome in queer spaces where the majority
are white lgbtq+ folks. I think we need to
talk about the racism, cultural appropriation
and bi-phobia in the community.”
Patrycja, 23
“I realised I was queer a year ago, when
I fell deeply in love with someone who
brought me a lot of happiness and supported
me. It was truly surprising for me as I hadn’t
felt that way towards someone of the same
gender before, probably because I hadn’t
allowed myself. I couldn’t imagine any other
way than being heterosexual”
Talia, 19
“It’s possible to be a number of things in
one body. I don’t have to choose between
claiming my queerness or my blackness or
my gender because I am an embodiment
of all those things. It is okay to be a
multidimensional being. You aren’t just one thing.”