To be queer in this space, in this time, is to straddle an invisible line. On one hand, national freedoms afforded to gender and sexual minorities have never been more abundant. Simultaneously, however, a concerted effort by state lawmakers threatens the existence of the queer community. To celebrate and mourn, to hope and grieve, to exist and be silenced: such is the essence of modern queer life in Texas.

A loosely defined term contested by many in the community itself, “queer” here means the whole of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Nonbinary and otherwise Gender or Sexually Atypical individuals. Many of the participants in this series don’t identify with the term “queer.” Nonetheless, they identify with the Queer Community itself, recognizing the unique experience of being different from societal norms in such a personal way.

With whom one shares love, with whom one engages with in sex, is of the most private choices an individual makes in their life. Yet, one does not engage in love solely in the privacy of the bedroom, the kitchen, the home. To love freely, to express one’s love freely, manifests equally in the public sphere as in private spheres. Embracing; interlocking of hands; sharing a kiss after a moment of memory: acts of love toward others in the public view represents the freedom to be oneself and to love. Dressing; speaking; existing; acts of love toward oneself in the public view represents the freedom of expression and choice to be.

Love, whether of oneself or of another entity, is mutually public and private. Intimacy realizes differently for every individual and it is not restricted to the bedroom. Love is pervasive.