My Heart’s In San Francisco
I’m currently writing this blog waiting for our flight in the San Francisco airport. I think writing this will help distract me from feeling sad about leaving and already missing the place that we have called home for two weeks. I have really enjoyed my time here, and I know everyone else I have talked to in our cohort is not the same person that walked on our first flight during a time that seems like ages ago. As a returning student, I don’t know if it is easier or harder to say goodbye- maybe a little bit of both.
It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite part of the trip because I have a handful of memories that have made this trip the memorable experience it is. Having the opportunity to be living with other students like me and really get to develop close relationships with folks while in one of the most accepting places for queer people in the country is so special and magical. Being around other folks that understand what it’s like being queer in Eau Claire, I felt like I was able to take down this façade that I regularly carry with me, and the thought of having to put that back up and not feel as authentically queer as I have had on this trip already breaks my heart. I’m sad that I won’t be able to recreate this experience again. Although I already know the shock of returning will hit me hard, just like it did last year, I feel like it’s going to be worse knowing that I won’t be able to replicate the fun our group had while on this trip.
Even simple things that while here I take for granted like walking down the street holding my partners hand or wearing a more masc-presenting outfit will immediately feel different back in Eau Claire. In San Francisco, it feels freeing not having to worry about simply existing as a queer person without others staring at you or treating you differently simply by how you look and carry yourself. Although going back is going to be difficult, I’m thankful for the experience and feeling more grounded in my identity.
I am quickly finishing this blog about to board our flight, feeling excited about planning our own film festival. There are so many films this year that I felt very attached to personally, and I’m really looking forward to discussing what films we think other students will enjoy, that they can see themselves in. Cheers to saying goodbye to an amazing, joy filled experience that has felt like more than a trip. I’m looking forward to what has to come in planning Q Fest 2023!
