Remembering

Why is it important to showcase queer vulnerability

I think, like, vulnerability is something that often feels like a bad thing

And seeing it in combination with something that is powerful

I think that does something very special and important

As the smells of molten chocolate, autumn spices, sweet liquor and pine began to fill the air

I began to feel less uneasy and felt the first creases of a smile begin to stretch across my face

Familiar faces beamed at me

Faces I'd longed to see for a long time

We embraced and rocked from side to side

Exchanged greetings and compliments

And began to set the tone for this festive moment