Long, Too Long America

What is “patriotism” as my country changes around me, as I learn more about how it is has always been weaponized against the queer community, as it continuously betrays me when I make attempts to defend why I am American, when the government is endeavoring to erase transgender existence? What is our “freedom” if I cannot have agency because my life is “un-American”? What noises are this pain and suffering? What sound reconciles a childhood? What musics look up and pray for the safety of their friends? Scream for freedom, exclaim independence, exploit “patriotic” ideals.