I have landed in the mother of all mothers

I have landed in the mother of all mothers

Though I am not “black” (in the traditional categorization type), nor can I trace my roots back to Africa…but it is still an important region of the world to study for its rich history of affluence, colonization, struggle, and resistance.

We have officially landed in Senegal. It is 11:12 p.m. in Los Angeles (my laptop has not changed times) but I believe its 6 a.m. here. We have a stop here before we reach South Africa.

Its dark so I can’t see much outside. But some workers from the airport here have come to the plane to “clean up.” It’s different – seeing black bodies working the jobs we ignore or take advantage of (like those cleaning). But I feel that this trip will imbed in me why we must work together—in solidarity. Our struggles, though miles apart with different colors, are similar, a struggle to live.

Oh capitalism. Whiteness. Heteronormativity. Etc. etc.

I don’t even want to continue reading “Gay Latino Studies: A Critical Reader.” I wish this were like a vacation trip, but I must remind myself that it isn’t. and I need to be even  more critical, but sensitive to different customs and cultures. Even my own theoretical understanding of patriarchy, etc. is still influenced by a Westernized/Colonizer’s framework. I have a lot of work left to do.

Which is why I have returned to the mother of all mothers. The creator of all. The beauty of life. Knowledge.

10 more hours till South Africa. Hopefully the privileged kids give us a preview of their concert! It could either alleviate my headache, or it could potentially make it worse.