By Elio Wilder (they/them)
Content warning: This poem alludes to harm inflicted on our LGBTQIA+ community and general bigotry
This poem was inspired by my experiences dating heterosexual vs queer men. The differences but also the similarities.
Accessible Version
He calls himself progressive
Our views go hand-in hand
Anti-racism, pro-feminism
But he is still just a man.
He wants better for the people
To see an end to bigotry
Equality makes financial sense
If not, would he still agree?
Progress is good for all
But it’s more than just a numbers game
I wonder if he understands
Liberation is the real aim.
He’s so casual when he talks
Maybe that’s what really bothers me
With so much pain inflicted
He's not as angry as he should be.
Cause it’s never really cut him deep
Right-wing dogma doesn’t change his fate
It’s just a “difference of opinion”
Not his rights at stake.
That horrible sick feeling
The urge to cry and scream
While I see my fellows harmed
I'll never truly be free.
To always live in fear
He doesn’t know first-hand
For all our similarities
He is still just a man.