I erase my appearance in public spaces as I move about the world as a single entity. I feel like water flowing place to place always visible but unseen, and undisturbed. As a young white cis gender straight passing woman I have privilege when I decide to go out of my house alone, or travel. I am more protected socially than most. And yet I still know I am never safe alone especially when the sun sets, or my license plate doesn't match the state I'm in. Implementing my knowledge on safety I pack away all of my loud print clothes, makeup, platform shoes, wear my natural hair color, mute my accent, and speak quiet/direct/short. I don't dare to walk unarmed anywhere for my own safety. And yes THAT TOO IS PRIVILEGE. I can have a weapon on me, and it's not an automatic death sentence. In fact it can save me from becoming a victim or dying at the hands of people who would see me harmed for their own personal gain. I am constantly living threw an internal battle with my own physical safety as a queer person who wants to just live an authentic existence, but also dress/act in a way that allows me safe passage in a world that takes advantage of people at the first sign of naïveté or prejudice derived from othering.
It's better to be safe than sorry, but never be sorry for creating boundaries that keep you safe. The wonderful thing about personal boundaries is that you control why and when you set them, and whom you set them with. Be active in your interactions with this world.
Feb 12, 2020 made from flameworked borosilicate glass; 1x3in
Photographed by Carrie Strong
