OUT ON THE HILL is the official blog of the Victory Congressional Interns. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Learn more about the internship at victoryinstitute.org/vci.
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Being an LGBTQ+ Victory Congressional Intern this summer has been a gratifying experience that I will forever treasure. Through professional development and personal growth, I am proud to say that I accomplished far beyond what I thought was imaginable. This blog post—half-poem, half-reflection—is a love letter to everyone I was fortunate to meet. Though imperfect, I believe it’s the best thank you gift I could impart to those who have given me so much.
For the first time in my life, I can definitively say that everything good that has happened to me is not in spite of my queerness but rather because of it.
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To be in Love’s presence is to feel unpolitically embraced.
It is growing and healing and learning from others.
It is spending time with those who bring you joy.
Love’s company is visible among those who care about you,
Oftentimes manifesting itself in the mundane:
Bear hugs from Annie,
Instagram Reels sent by Luke,
iMessage games played with Jack,
and bowls of cereal shared with Bhavya.
To be in Love’s presence is to feel whole.
It’s having Ashley lay her head on your shoulder,
Cackling a little too loudly on the Metro with Jordana,
Being constantly blown away by Logan’s wit,
and feeling safe in Kylan’s company.
To be aware of Love is to notice.
It’s embracing
Clare’s overwhelming warmth,
Kaylyn’s kind compliments,
Jayden’s one-of-a-kind sense of humor,
and Tyler’s welcoming demeanor.
It’s being in conversation about The Who with Matteo, enlightened about queer terminology by Camille, and bonding over Grease—no, not Greece the country—with Larissa.
To be in Love’s presence is being in community.
It’s listening to The Temptations while laying on the National Mall,
Attending Pride for the first time with a group of fellow Queers,
and making post-graduation plans to visit one another.
Love is in
Banana and nutella crepes,
Van Leeuwen ice cream,
Thai Pad See Ew,
Blueberry bagels,
Footlong churros,
Nobadeer sandwiches,
Undercooked pasta,
And uneaten popsicle sticks.
Further:
Love is felt when learning about those who came before you—
Fearless figures who endured pain
yet nevertheless persisted.
Love is well and alive among intimate conversations,
Ones of curiosity and inquiry,
Free of judgment and prejudice.
Love is being taught about hidden-away history by Leilani
And being supported and cared for by Sarah.
It’s working alongside an organization committed to advancing equality,
One that plays an instrumental role in ensuring Government remains
Of the people,
By the people, and
For the people.
Love’s presence is all-enduring.
It allows for space
and distance.
And nevertheless,
Love endures.
