Jon Key

Show context by Jon Key: (Reader)

I, Too. I, Also. I, As Well.

I, Too have lived across the decades.  I, Too know the stories — the untold histories of my Black Queerness. I compose safe spaces across time and history. And the people who fill the space are people I know. We have shared tales, pains, joys and laughs. We dance, perform and snap.

Through the blue door I transport to a new period. My family is there. Biological, Chosen and Queer elders who remind me I am strong. We are camouflaged. We are protected. We see each other.

We lean on one another. They cradle me.

Mother Mary reaches across time with her white glove to caress my face.  I lean on her and I feel safe.

We all traveled to New York city or DC over the centuries seeking: Support. Trust. Love. The opportunity to be me. In New York you can be anything.

I am not 1 in 10. 1 in 100. 1 in million. I am infinite across time.

William Dorsey Swann, The Queen enters and dances. Her fan snaps and she grins.

Langston in his Harlem Home sits and thinks. Thinking turns inward. Thinking envelopes him.

Gladys Bently suited up, finally gets her flowers. She is strong and loud.

Mary Jones enters her home.  Removes her hat. She sets down her new wallet, a prize from the night.

I, too, stare when someone new enters. Are you disturbing our peace?

I for an I.

I, too have been there. I, too feel the pain still today.

I, too am America.