#1 Kiana Nguyen

Thursday April 15th 2021 4:47pm

📍Dorchester Center, MA

shot on: canon eos rebel t3i 18-24mm

When did you first identify as queer and why?

I think sometime in middle school. I was pretty heavily on tumblr and it was an easy pivot from gay as an umbrella term to queer. But, and I know this is cliché, I def knew I wasn't straight by like, kindergarten.

What does being queer mean to you and how does it affect the way you move through the world and different spaces(social, economic, cultural, political)?

It empowers me to be louder, less palatable. My queer identity has been a big force in helping me manage my anxiety around being seen as too much or annoying. It's made advocating for myself a necessity, in both professional and personal spheres.

How would you define your queer identity?

Honestly I don't think about it in words very much, it's why queer as a label is comforting. It doesn't require elaboration. But pansexual, aromantic, genderfucky are all terms that come to mind and that have felt right.

What is one thing you wish the younger you would’ve known in order to make deciding to get out of bed each day easier?

That nothing I do makes me dirty or unworthy. That acknowledging and honoring my desires with sincerity is an important part of daily life.