When I think of my community,

I think of teachers.

I think of David Jay’s powerpoints,

explaining and justifying non-sexual relationships.

I think of Yasmin Benoit’s videos,

proving and cementing the multidimensional realities of Black aroace lives.

I think of Ela Pryzbylo’s articles,

navigating and naming the idea ingrained in our Western bodies:

you must be sexual,

and must love being sexual.

When I think of my community,

I think of all the times we have explained ourselves,

in hope,

of people learning,

of people accepting,

of people growing.

Yet, our community continues to teach the same lessons,

never getting past the introduction.

Although I love my community,

and am thankful for all the teaching they have done,

I am done explaining

and am ready to be.