Outside of Pride

When June ends

and bleeds into July,

I don't suddenly stop being queer.

I don't suddenly pull my sexuality back into myself,

and throw away the key.

I'm still the same person

when the clock strikes midnight

and pride month is over.

I don't unzip a costume

or peel back my layers.

In the month of June,

I can shine a lighter brighter

and speak a little louder.

Outside of pride,

I'm scared of judgement,

ignorance and hate.

The older I get

and the more I know myself

and who I'm meant to be.

I open up the birdcage of my ribs,

and let my heart sore free.

Someday in the future

I hope I get to see

when Pride is every month

and we are truly free.