It’s more than survival

the fight we must have

it is the right to exist

to be seen

to be who we are without apology

it starts in small ways

our time is not our own

only valued in what we give

our bodies are vessels

or entertainment

and who we love

is deemed a choice

we are not permitted to make

we are an offense

a mote you can see and judge

as you hide from the eyes of God – Caroline A. Slee