#7 Olivia Mangue 

Saturday april 13th 2024 4:30pm

📍Broadway Station/Seaport, Boston, Ma

shot on canon eso rebel t3i 18-24mm 70-300mm

When did you first identify as queer and why?

Honestly not until very recently lol maybe like 2-3 years ago. After I got out of my first relationship I realized I didn’t really have much in common with straight men and that I believe gender identity doesn’t define what would make someone a good partner, that I want to love the person not what I think a relationship should look like. I guess the proper term would be pansexual but I identify as queer.

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)?

I’ve been grateful that it makes me see the world with more of an open mind, when you question societal norms on gender and sexual expression it opens the door to a more inclusive way of thinking that I believe has made me a better person. It definitely affects my political views as I’m more invested in representatives that will protect queer people’s rights. It has also helped me understand the importance of community building and having safe spaces with people that understand your perspective.

How would you define your queer identity?

I would define my queerness as open. I love being able to open myself up to love regardless of who it’s with.

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?

I wish I could’ve told myself that your opinion of yourself is the most important and that you’d be glad you listened to yourself instead of what you thought other people wanted from you.