I would rather be a member of this [Afrikan] race than a Greek in the time of Alexander, a Roman in the Augustan period, or Anglo-Saxon in the nineteenth century.
Edward Wilmot BlydenRead
I always assumed that my otherness was a curse - that I would be held back by my Asian and queer identities.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker initially viewed their unique identity as a limitation but later reflects on its significance.
Eugene Lee Yang expresses how his identities as an Asian and queer individual were initially perceived as obstacles in his life. Through this quote, he reveals a transformation in his perspective, recognizing that what he once saw as a curse can instead be a source of strength and authenticity. This highlights the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, rather than viewing it as a hindrance.
Themes
IdentityOthernessQueerAsianStrength
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity and inclusion, one might quote this to highlight the value of unique identities.
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