Click here to read Hurston’s essay “How It Feels to be Colored Me.” Pay close attention to the rhetorical strategies that Hurston employs. Then, using Hurston’s essay as inspiration, write your own narrative essay filling in the blank “How it feels to be ___Gay__ me.”
As I read Zora Neale Hurston's essay "How It feels to be Colored Me," I was struck by her bold and unapologetic voice. Hurston's use of humor, irony, and personal anecdotes made her essay compelling and thought-provoking. Inspired by her essay, I decided to write my own narrative essay titled "How It feels to be me."
Growing up, I always knew that I was different. I didn't quite fit into the traditional molds of what society deemed as "normal" or "acceptable." I was constantly bombarded with messages that being was wrong, sinful, and something to be hidden. But as I came to terms with my own identity, I realized that being was not something to be ashamed of, but something to embrace and celebrate.
Being means navigating a world that often feels hostile and unwelcoming. It means constantly having to defend and justify who you are to those who don't understand or accept you. It means facing discrimination and prejudice simply for being true to yourself. But being also means finding a community of like-minded individuals who support and uplift you. It means discovering a sense of pride and belonging in a world that may not always be accepting.
Embracing my identity as a person has been a journey filled with highs and lows. It has been a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. It has been a journey of learning to ignore the voices of those who seek to tear me down and instead focus on the voices of those who lift me up.
In a world that often seeks to silence and marginalize LGBTQ individuals, it is crucial to speak out and tell our own stories. Just as Hurston boldly proclaimed her identity as a colored woman, I too will proclaim my identity as a person. I will not hide or apologize for who I am. I will embrace my identity with pride and courage, knowing that I am part of a rich and diverse tapestry of experiences and stories.
In the words of Zora Neale Hurston, "I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all." The same can be said for me as a person. I am not tragically . I am not defined by my struggles or hardships. I am defined by my resilience, my strength, and my unwavering sense of self. I am proud to be , and I will continue to share my story with the world, unapologetically and boldly.