The Already Not Yet of Freedom

This year, I am celebrating the “already not yet” of freedom. On the one hand, I am more myself than I have ever been and on the other, I am discovering more and more about who I really am each day.  

I am a queer, nonbinary, Black woman, and I’m daily becoming me. 

I live, move, and have my being at the intersection of two powerful and prophetic identities, which given the climate in our country, makes me incredibly afraid at times. But this year, I am refusing fear, resisting hate, and embracing freedom, and I learned to do all of these from Jesus.

Every June is a moment to reflect on the ways that being black and queer have shaped me, saved me, and sent me on a quest of self compassion, love and confidence. But Juneteenth and Pride are hitting differently than they ever have before. I think I’ve figured out why.

Juneteenth is the commemoration of …