I AM

When I say, "lesbian", that's all you think I am.

When I say, " I am more than just a lesbian", you laugh and say, "yeah what else?"

When I say, " I am an African American woman, you say, "that's your race not who you are."

When I say,  "I have hobbies", you say, "that's what you like to do, not who you are."

When I say, "I am someone's daughter, you answer, "yea ok cause who could love a lesbian, that's not who you are."

When I say, "I am a wife", you reply, "that's funny, marriage is between a man and a woman, not two women.  A wife is not who you are."

When  you say, "enough lesbian, you're gross, you are a lesbian, that's who you are."  I proudly reply, "I am an African American woman with hobbies, I am a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, an aunt, and a friend who happens to be a lesbian, that's what I am."