‘Don’t ever hide who you truly are’

TESS 18

Second generation European/musician

As a second generation Australian, I’m not really in touch with my European background. I don’t associate with Europeans and my parents’ lead a very Australian lifestyle. I’ve never felt discrimination due to my European background. When I was younger I always wanted to have blonde hair and blue eyes but as I began to mature I started to accept my European beauty and individuality. Being the only dark haired, dark eyed and mixed race girl in my friendship group ultimately makes me unique. After finishing my studies I intend to travel the world and visit the lands of my grandparents heritage.

Don’t ever hide who you truly are. I was in a secret relationship for two years. Ultimately, my worst fear was that my friends and family weren’t going to accept my sexuality. Living a lie drove me insane. I just wanted to be out and in the open. Finally having the guts to come out, I was shocked by everyone’s reactions. They weren’t bothered by it and were in fact extremely supportive. To this day I am still with my beautiful girlfriend. If you have loving friends and family then they will accept you for whoever you are.

‘Our difference are nowhere as significant as the thing we have in common’

DANIEL 43

When I was young I prayed every night. I prayed to wake up tall and straight and happy. But every morning, I’d still be short and queer, depressed and scared. I couldn’t disguise my lack of height, but I worked hard to make sure no-one knew I was gay. It was exhausting. I knew it wasn’t just a phase. After years of pretence, something had to give. 

Eventually, I chose to be me.

I was terrified of telling my best mate.  We’d been close friends since we were twelve. We’re chalk and cheese. Jamie is tall, dark and handsome, and straight as. I told him at the Manly Skiff Club one sunny Saturday afternoon. 

He smiled. ‘I know. Now, get to the bar. It’s your shout. ‘

 Jamie is a no-drama kind of guy. I should have had more faith in the things that really matter. I finally felt safe and knew I would survive.  The freedom was intoxicating but I also felt a sense of responsibility. I made a commitment to live truthfully; visible, out & loud.

A few years ago I was at my sister’s for a family lunch. Her youngest took me to meet his guinea pig.

‘Uncle Dan, this is Daffyd. He’s the only gay in the village.’

 ‘Not today, he’s not.’

 ‘Well, he’s the only gay in a cage here.’

Sam has always been a smart kid.

Our differences are nowhere as significant as the things we share in common.  They should be celebrated, not feared. Jamie and I are still chalk and cheese, and we’re still best mates.

My life is filled with friendship, love and laughter, and I’m happier than I once imagined possible. 

I haven’t prayed since those days, but I regularly count my blessings.  

G.D. O'Neill

‘Together we are strong’

Uma

I'm Soul Sistah Singh & I do the Right Thing !

I'm Black, Khush & Proud 'n I say it out loud!

This Rap I call One Size Fits All  and My Desi-Dyke Rap isn't just crap.

When I first came out didn't know a lot about the "Queer Community"

'n what it couldn't offer me.

"Come Out" they said,  as if they really cared

but me Mum I lost 'n they didn't care a toss !?

The Women's Movement seemed Cool

yet most times I felt a fool...

I was coloured too strong,

my hair was all wrong to my Culture I belong !

Hey, I love my clothes but there are those didn't like what I chose.

So, if you were not "White" then you weren't all right

If you didn't smoke or drink and said what you think

well, you're marginalized maybe objectified

I couldn't believe my eyes!?

Shouldn't have been surprised if we're Women & Black

we're under attack they think we're cheap

'cause we're the bottom of their heap

Yet they say WELCOME ALL

to us they call why can't they tell that it's really hell

to feel so alone and crazy to the bone?

'Cause to us it's clear they don't want us here

on terms of our own so we're disowned !

And everywhere I've been and all I've seen

everywhere it's the same

so, who've we got to blame...?

Yet in spite of it all I still walk tall

I've gained some great friends

and hope that never ends...?

Lots of fun I've had even when I'm MAD!

Yo'see, my Destiny is to set myself free...!

Black, Woman & Gay

I'm here to stay I'll share what I've got

'cause I know I'm hot !

We've all got lots to say even while we play

so lets work it out & not at each other shout...!

The real enemy is not all o' we

we need solidarity.

What resources we've got let's share with our have nots

this is the buzz help without the fuss.

We really need to see in our community

piyaar and care that's what we share.

Every one of us needs to be believed,

to give each other support is what we ought.

If we can get along and build a bond

together WE ARE STRONG !

Hurrah everyone my Rap is done!?

Copyright  © 2012 Uma Kali Shakti

All rights reserved. No part of this text may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission.

       'It's better here in Australia and I love Australian girls’

JENNIE 31 JAPANESE

I was never the daughter my parents wanted me to be, I loved pink, red, green, orange hair. I loved wearing lots and lots of jewelry and I loved kissing girls.

Were I came from in Japan, the city of Osaka, I stood out, I just did. Even if I didn’t colour my hair or wear my hand made cloths I was never going to be the daughter my parents wanted. I was always going to the anima (Japanese animation) starlet, I loved coloured fingernails and plastic accessories.

It’s better here in Australia and I love Australian girls/women. I’m never going back to Japan, I’m free here.