Coming from a different background and culture, then most people I’m surrounded with in this sexuality program, has taught me great deal about myself, and the world outside of my normal culture. I am able to witness how people, from the outside of my community, view my culture looking in. So far, I have been able to hear, see and learn many things that I have never been exposed to anywhere else throughout my life. But there has been one thing that has stuck out to me while being in this program, NO ONE has any real idea the struggles my community face, in sexual health or in education. I have heard many of talks about the effects of oppression on the Black community, the lack of medical services, and the lack of sex education in schools (all the complex problems), but I’m not sure that people understand that the lack of basic educations (I’m talking elementary school, middle school and high school if your lucky) is the true problem and one of the major reasons why the Black community suffers from so many sexual health issues.

In the Black communities, the truth is, basic education is not a right, it’s a privilege, and if are lucky enough to have that privilege (which usually comes from having some type of constant advocate) then you can think about life opportunities. And if you have the pleasure to think about life opportunities then most of...

I love shoes. I love all kinds of accessories, really. (When I have money) I peruse store after store just searching for anything within 'my style'. Shoes, hats, beanies, scarves, and ties--I WANT IT ALL. If I can't find it in a store, I'll most definitely find it online. 

They won't let me have it all though. But I guess it really isn't their fault. I'll just blame colonialism for this. Shit, I'll blame colonialism for everything.

I'm a boi. And because I'm a boi and not a boy, the accessories I want to buy and the clothes I want to wear are definitely not a perfect fit. I awkwardly (and self-consciously) always walk to the Men's side of stores knowing there's at least one person rudely gazing at me with puzzled looks. I walk into the dressing room with men's clothes and more times than none do the employees obviously hesitate about which (men's or women's) side of the fitting room to bring me to.

Luckily though, somehow and in someway, the jeans on the mannequin actually fit and the sweaters or vests on display accentuate my curves in the boi-ish way that I find sexy. It's the shoes that are always a lost cause.

Just the other day my roommate and I celebrated the end of our broke-ass summer and welcomed the borrowed money known as financial aid loans through a little shopping spree. All I really wanted was a good pair of shoes. I...