11-year old me was watching MTV and Adam Lambert’s Whataya Want From Me came on.  I liked the sound; before I knew it, I loved the song.

I’ve been listening to it for the last decade & the track has meant so much to me in the process of figuring myself out. The icon Lambert is, both as a personality & as an openly gay musician has helped me understand myself.

A few months ago, I was browsing through Spotify & discovered another song; this one, titled Fuimos Amor (“We Were Love”), is by Colombian singer Esteman, from his album Amor Libre (“Free Love”). Since I first heard it some six months ago, it’s been a constant on my drive playlist. Like Lambert’s track, I love everything about Fuimos Amor: lyrics, video & aesthetics.

This June, I was in Vienna on summer break & later, in New York City for a university program. In Vienna, our bus passed by buildings celebrating pride.

In New York, I witnessed the Pride parade & I danced as the procession did. I saw the Camp exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Walking around the city, I noticed graffiti & street art that celebrated pride. I tapped my feet & swayed as performers going home after the parade sang & danced in the subway.

These experiences have been monumental in navigating my identity. I can say now, that I am bi & not be afraid or disgusted by it.