long walks at the beach

For each step I take, I won't just be standing
For each step I make, I leave a print
This is the outline of my life

This beach is different from others
It doesn't grant your wishes
It only gives one thing

I followed footsteps bigger than mine
They know what they are doing
So let me walk it

As I enjoyed each step, the waves erased them away
Here I am standing; where do I go?
I looked up at the sky and said, "one more."

For each step I make, I leave a print
For each step I take, I'll be thinking of waves
One, two, three, but the waves got me
I said, "one more."

For each step I take, I wish for the waves to be erased
The more steps I make, the deeper the prints
It got deeper and deeper
I hit a quicksand
I said again, "one more."

For this walk, I take a millisecond step
For the next step I make, I wish it all to be gone
The lights went out
Where did I go wrong?
I wept and fell to my knees
"One more"

This time, I know what to do
Step one, please don't sink
Step two, don't say hi
Step three, don't go blind
Step four, breathe
Step five, open your eyes
Still standing in the same spot, "one more."

This time, don't be on the line
Each step closer to the water
Each step gets wetter
Each step feels colder
It's calming
It's peaceful
I'm not floating
And, yes, I lived

Hello, and welcome back for another educational edition of Allyship Corner. In the past, this article has covered many terms used by the LGBTQ+ community. Today will be no such change, but this time we will be covering terms used predominantly within the Drag community umbrella. As there may be things discussed here that can be triggering for some people, I would suggest proceeding with caution.

If you have not heard of Drag, Drag Queens, or Drag Kings, it's an art form of gender-bending with extravagant clothing and make-up. Usually, it is a gender identity of the opposite sex, but some are not, for entertainment purposes. Performers can be of any gender. So, let's cover a few terms and their meanings. This is not an extensive list. Doing your own research is always important if you want more information.

Drag Queen - this is usually a male who dresses in flamboyant-styled clothing and makeup.

Drag King - this is usually a female who dresses in masculine-styled clothing and makeup.

Hyper Queen or Diva Queen - this is a Drag Queen who identifies as a female and is in flamboyant-styled clothing and makeup just like a Drag Queen.

Drag Mama - this is only an experienced Queen who has taken a newer Queen under their wing and is helping them on their journey into Drag.

Drag Show - this is typically a show that showcases different Queens, whether they are singing, dancing, or some other type of performance.

Many drag shows that I have seen in my local area are brunches and not just in a typical club setting. They can be at any time during the day, not just at night.

Above are a few meanings of terms you will hear every day in the drag community. Now, for some slang terms that may be a bit lesser known.

Sissy - this is your runway walk, in the most exaggerated feminine way you can. Very similar to sashay.

Dusted - this means you have absolutely blown away the competition or perfected a look.

Fierce - this can be that you look amazing or absolutely killed that walk. There are many meanings for fierce, but they are usually all very positive.

Flipper - this is usually a set of false teeth a Queen wears so their teeth look flawless.

We will be keeping this list short for the time being as I'd love to see more people research and take an interest in another part of the LGBTQ+ community. Drag is something I love and enjoy, so I hope everyone can see the beauty in such an amazing art form. I will be sure to go into further detail in future editions.

Until then, stay safe, and in the words of RuPaul - "Looking good is a celebration of yourself, it's like saying to your creator 'I love it, I'm gonna decorate it!'"