My War Paint is Rainbow
Start writing a post
Politics

My War Paint is Rainbow

The perseverance of LGBTQA people lives on.

38
My War Paint is Rainbow
http://tekstartist.myshopify.com/

After all the tears fall down our faces and we have none left to bare, we paint a rainbow on our cheeks. As the colors seep into our bloodstream, our eyes brighten and fiercely stare into the future. These colors should not be mistaken for childish fun or insignificant whimsy; this rainbow on my cheek is war paint. This rainbow, with all of its colors, each surviving together in a fight for their right to be stripes, can not be taken off my skin.

We exist in a rainbow. When others will only see it after a storm, we radiate in the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. When hatred chooses to be unaffected by its magnificence, we bathe in it. The rainbow is chosen to represent the beings of LGBTQA peoples because it boldly and unapologetically shines ALL of itself to BE any of itself.

We are here with love, but let that not lessen the intensity of our potentiality. We are also here with ever present minds that pay close attention to threat, hate, and bigotry. We are here with words that, in their raw truth, pierce through mainstream media lies and sensationalist deception. We are here with each other, in greater numbers and more exalting pride than society has previously allowed.

From this point, one where we see so many lives stolen and so many friends and families heartbroken, I, for one, am angry. I am rationally and rightfully angry. No one should mistake queers’ willingness to love anyone anywhere as a blindfold to the enemy. We know the enemy; passivity.

Just because I have a rainbow on me does not mean I see any unicorns around. The story of violence towards queer people is not a fairytale and no prince is going to save us from the bad guys. We can save us. So, no, we are not going to shut up about Orlando. No, we are not going to discount the very long reputation of homophobia that has persisted in U.S. soil for centuries. No, we are not going to isolate this tragedy from political discussion and debate. No, we will not entertain any idea that this massacre was not simultaneously targeting LGBTQA people and people of color, particularly of Latino/Hispanic origin.

After attending the beautiful vigil for Orlando held in my home, Baltimore, MD, I know this year’s Pride Festival will have a different air about it. War paint on, we will be dancing through our gathering we know as a battlefield, kissing with more heat than a gun after a shot fired, and shouting our pride louder than any speak of hate.

I’ll see you there.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

1384
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

2898
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

22921
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

3017
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

5286
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments