All we had was us, together
DOUAIHY pens a love letter to the friendships between lesbians and gay men
In 1995, I visited my first gay bar in Pittsburgh – adivey, neon-drenched, perfect spot where a gorgeous drag queen complimented my lips and a dapper drag king said he’d blow up his life to take me out. This moment introduced me to the love, beauty and belonging offered by queer people. The queer solidarity that drove the fight for LGBTQIA rights, from the Stonewall riots to the struggle for marriage equality, has had a significant impact on me. The friendship shared between gay men and lesbians, despite our unique challenges, is a testament to the power of solidarity.