By Adrian Edmundson (Kyoshabire Adrine) – (He/Him) 

Black Transgender man  

I sit beneath a shaded tree again   

with a pen and a paper in my hands.   

Imprisoned by an Autumn of thoughts,   

clinging to life,   

sways a windy soul.   

Visionary clouds beyond these meadows,   

I can’t see   

illusions fraternizing in my mind,   

held up by uncertainties. 

 

Questions arrive:   

where is our freedom of expression?   

Who knows where we can do this freely? 

 

LOOK at the darkness in our journeys,   

forgotten birds singing   

while lying down in thirst,   

so afraid to drink water from a pool that would shade blood.   

Eagles flying in the sky,   

as birds call for help, they drown   

inside a pool of blood.   

Rivers of sorrow overflow,   

they can’t escape,   

for there’s no tomorrow.   

Wolves circle,   

like hyenas with a smile.   

Whom do we trust?   

Forgotten birds die helplessly. 

 

In my vision of freedom,   

the pen flows freely,   

the words soar like birds unbound,   

and rivers run clear,   

no longer tainted by sorrow.   

We trust without fear,   

and every voice is heard 

 

Contextualization 

WHERE IS MY FREEDOM? is deeply rooted in the themes of Black Geographies, Abolitionist Education, and Interlocking Struggles, drawing inspiration from the tireless efforts of those who have fought for Black freedom and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Sitting under a shaded tree, I reflect on the pervasive quest for freedom, echoing the historical and ongoing struggles for liberation faced by Black and LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. The poem’s imagery of forgotten birds, rivers of sorrow, and predatory wolves symbolizes the systemic oppression and violence that continue to impact these marginalized groups. By questioning where true freedom of expression can be found, the poem aligns with abolitionist ideals that seek to dismantle oppressive structures and create spaces where every voice can be heard and valued. 

I wrote this poem influenced by the works of writers and activists such as Audre Lorde’s collection of essays and speeches in “Sister Outsider” where she intensely explores the intersections of race, identity and liberation, she also emphasizes the change in the power of language and the purpose of a unified effort and actions to fight against injustices towards these intersections. (Martin, 2019) 

James Baldwin’s essays especially in “The Fire Next Time” critiques on social injustice and racial inequality where he argues for change and re-evaluation of racial flux in the United States. He argues white Americans to end segregating and oppressing black people to ensure equal rights while also addressing economic and social inconsistencies to bring equality (to black communities) in terms of employment opportunities, better housing and access to better health and education. (James Baldwin and the Politics of “Race” and Sexuality, 2010). 

Marsha P. Johnson’s activism and her fundamental role in the Stonewall uprising points out a crucial intersection of LGBTIQ rights. Her pioneering efforts towards advocating for visibility and recognition of LGBTIQ persons and particularly fighting against the erasure and marginalization of transgender voices like mine in the broader society, taking part in protests for the LGBTIQ movement to ensure decriminalization, ending police brutality, fighting for equal rights as whole for the LGBTIQ community.  

All of this tremendous work inspires the poem’s exploration of the role of writing in envisioning and striving toward a freer, more equitable world. Through vivid imagery and probing questions, WHERE IS MY FREEDOM? aims to contribute to the discourse on Black Geographies and Abolitionist Education by highlighting the interconnectedness of these struggles and the enduring hope for a future where freedom is a reality for all, regardless of race, gender, status, or sexual orientation. (Rothberg, n.d) 

 

Notes on Contributor

Adrian Edmundson is a black transgender man originally from Uganda, who has experienced displacement due to his sexual orientation. After fleeing his home country, he was granted asylum in Kenya and is now awaiting permanent settlement in Canada—a place where he hopes to finally experience the freedom and safety, he was denied in both his homeland and country of asylum.

Adrian holds a degree in Business Communication and an Associate’s degree in Science General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a diploma in Public Administration from Bishop Stuart University. He is eager to further his education with a focus on program management and services that address community needs, legal frameworks that protect the rights of marginalized populations, and the promotion of effectiveness in multicultural settings.

A committed activist, Adrian has been actively involved in advocating for LGBTIQ rights and amplifying black voices through his creative writing.

 

References 

Martin, C. (2019, October 29). Queering dominant modes of writing and identity … Queering Dominant Modes of Writing and Identity. https://digitalcommons.colum.edu/c10/gi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1065&context=cultural_studies 

James Baldwin and the politics of “race” and Sexuality. James Baldwin and the Politics of “Race” and Sexuality. (2010, March 5). https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/15167995.pdf 

Rothberg, E., Bio Author By Emma Rothberg, Bio Author By Kerri Lee Alexander, Bio Author    Mariana Brandman, & Bio Author By Mariana Brandman. (n.d.). Marsha P. Johnson. National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/marsha-p-johnson