How to Come Out (To the Jasmine First)

For myself, and for you.

To the jasmine first, then to the lilies.

Whisper to the tomatoes: Did you know already? Did you know before me?

The bougainvillea are hardy listeners.

The jacaranda won’t judge. They’ll say: What a beautiful way to be — some days purple, some days green.

The fig and avocados will tell you their stories, how it took them years, too.

The grapevine established themself quickly into their soil; the eucalyptus struggled and then joyfully branched out in all directions, found themself beautiful.

Whisper to the sun, to the water, to the prisms in their shared spaces of shine.

Whisper to yourself, you gorgeous living natural being of this in-between, everywhere world.

Whisper, and then speak, and then bloom — in your own season, in your own time.

6/22 UPDATE!

I originally wrote this poem for myself.

I also wrote it with my child in mind, who is proudly discovering their own beautiful path and journey.

When I posted the poem online, the feedback was overwhelming and incredibly heartwarming. I’ve had the honor of being a writer for many years, and yet I’ve never had such a powerful response to something I wrote. I’ve heard from so many readers who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ family who have told me that they loved reading this, that it validated their own journeys, that they felt heard and understood. I mean…as a writer, this is exactly what you hope to have happen — the connection, the understanding, the mutual lifting up.

I have since partnered with an AMAZING artist, Quetzalli Alitzel (www.quetzallialitzel.com/; IG: www.instagram.com/quetzalli_Alitzel_art) who has illustrated the poem. I hope you agree — their work is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined or hoped for.

To celebrate Pride Month, from June 1-July 6, 2022, I am selling a digital download (8.5" x 10.29"; high quality 4130 x 5000 pxl png) of our illuminated poem and artwork for $30. The goal during this time period is $900: so 30 sales. The first 50% of sales within this goal will go towards fair compensation of the artist. The rest (whether it be $900 or more between 6/1–7/6, 2022) will go directly to The Trevor Project, an organization that is near and dear to my heart.

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people. www.thetrevorproject.org With the downloaded file, you can use the illuminated poem as a screensaver or have it printed and framed or put on a canvas bag or greeting card — the possibilities are endless.

I originally wrote this poem for myself.

Now, I’m honored to be able to share it with you. I’m also sending deep gratitude and love — thank you for your purchase and support of LGBTQIA+ artists and youth.

And Happy Pride Month!

❤ -Katherine 6/22

E. Katherine Kottaras the writer, voice, and co-creator of Yoga with Eleonora on PillowFortTV and the co-writer with Vanitha Swaminathan of the forthcoming picture book, A RAINBOW INSIDE MY BODY, illustrated by Holly Hatam (Viking 2024). She holds an M.A. in English and an M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on Integrative Wellness, and she is a contemplative writer and holistic teacher, having worked at the K-12 and community college levels for over two decades. She is a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and health coach while also living with invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, and as such, she is passionate about mindfulness, bodily self-determination, and health equity. As the queer daughter of an immigrant, Katherine believes that holistic and inclusive approaches to expression, healing, and growth should be accessible to all.

Connect with Katherine on the social medias: IG, YouTube, FB, LinkedIn, or at katherinekottaras.com. Check out Katherine’s new series, Yoga with Eleonora on YouTube, which helps kids of all ages calm their minds and bodies so they can respond to and communicate their feelings in healthy ways.

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