My very existence is a protest. I am a queer, cis-gendered, chicanx woman who is pursuing higher education. To those who do not understand some of my adjectives, look them up. Language is power. Let’s use it.
To those of you who did not know a few, if not all, of my adjectives; I am speaking to you directly. This is for you. Knowledge is power but those who hold power control language. We could do both. Why not have power and control language?
When we use certain adjectives like transgender-woman, Afro-latina, non-binary, feminist, queer, black; we are taking back our power, we are controlling our language. Because all of these ideas existed before, but we didn’t have a name for them. Once we name something, we give it an identity. Identity is important because it is distinctive and absolute.
Learn your adjectives, take back your power. Control language and harness your identity. Some of the adjectives may not apply to you, but knowing the adjectives themselves still gives you power.
In the beginning I told you that my very existence was a protest. This is true. In saying so I reveal my identity, my power, and my language. Take back your power, reveal your identity, and control your language.
AUTHOR: Marina Flores
EMAIL: [email protected]
AUTHOR BIO: My name is Marina Flores. I am a student at Cal State University Channel Islands. I am a senior and will be graduating in May 2017. I am majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Business and Nonprofit with a minor in English. That being said, I am also a writer, a poet, and a scholar. I am a swimmer and a wrestler. I am a queer chicanx. I am a musician and my trumpet’s name is Tinman. I am a sculptor and my medium of choice is wood. I am many things, but most of all, I am Marina Flores.
LINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/minaflo1/?hl=en
