Intersections

To be both gay and Caribbean is an uncomfortable intersection to occupy.

On the one hand, the Caribbean is a care-free dreamland of laughing faces, tropical drinks, and agreeable weather. On the other hand, the roots of colonialism ideals run deep, twisted with misogyny, patriarchal ideals, and savage assaults on people in the LGBTQ+ community.

While my home in The Bahamas is not as LGBTQ+ friendly as other islands in the Caribbean, it is important not to paint everything with broad strokes. To this day I still feel awkward and uncomfortable to hold hands with my husband when I visit the islands. I feel ashamed each time I squirm away from my husband’s embrace, muttering a barely audible “love you” so no one else can hear. Our interactions are stifled by my fear of what might happen… and I long for a tropical retreat where I can properly relax and enjoy a vacation with my spouse.

“… and I long for a tropical retreat where I can properly relax and enjoy a vacation with my spouse.”

Some of the books I choose to feature, including the titles from and about the many islands in the Caribbean, may feature content that clashes with my LGBTQ+ identity; however, it’s important to consider how multifaceted and complex each of us are. What’s more exciting than a little internal conflict?

Each island nation, like every family, handles things in different ways, and across the literature we explore here I’ll be sensitive to possible triggers and warnings for egregious content. Places like Aruba, San Juan, and Curacao, for example, are much more welcoming of Pride and public displays of affection.

In the exploration of Caribbean literature, I’ll keep a keen eye out for any #queeribbean reads, and if you, dear reader, happen upon any I invite you to share! — Tag / email me so I can check it out!

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