Beyond the Obscurity

 

Abstract 

From the moment we are born, we are constitutionally given the right to freely express ourselves. But is this what is really happening? In this month of Pride, I'd like to address the superficial facets of "Freedom of Expression" which is tainted by homophobia, transphobia and much more. Being conditioned to be cisgender and heterosexual from the moment one is born forces a lot of us into a dark, painful and ugly place called the Closet. This place is so terribly excruciating that words cannot even begin to describe it. Only utter silence signified by "..." can stand representative of it for all of us to pour out our festering wounds out of simply being who we are or loving another human being. 

Poem

“Freedom of Expression,”

A right said to be inherent in all

But is it really?

That inherent right,

Isn’t it often curtailed

By the social constructions of gender?

Am I so wrong for feeling suffocated

For not being able to be who I am?

The pain pulsing in my heart,

Waiting to spew out

To dirty that “society” with its

Ugly and slimy arms

Is it really dirty?

Is it that ugly?

 

To be who I am

To love who I want

To wear what I want

To walk my way

The way my legs & hips take me

Is it really that ugly?

 

“Freedom of Expression,”

A right often said to be inherent

But is it really?

That inherent right,

When am I to feel it

Removing those chains,

Shoving my words back in my throat.

 

Those words brimming and brimming,

Waiting to overflow

And let everyone know my “ugly” secret,

Is trembling like a thin leaf

As if it’s ready to fall off

And leave the way it came from,

Silently…

 

Silence, dark as it is,

Surrounds me.

Loud as it is,

Makes me lonely,

Begging for some warmth,

Waking that pulsating pain,

Showering me in salty, salty tears,

Silently…

In the name of “Freedom of Expression.”

 

Expression…Isn’t it to be colourful and vibrant

So vibrant that it looks

Ugly but runs deep and beautiful,

Coming in different shapes and sizes

To embrace all and all

Even in those salty, salty tears,

Sharing vulnerabilities

And calling for inclusion in its warmth?

 

That “Freedom of Expression,”

Inherent in all,

Is it equal for “all”?

Is chains for some and freedom for others

What equality means?

What “Freedom of Expression” means?