IDENTITY

At its core, identity evades complete capture or definition, embodying subjective experiences shaped by individual perspectives on how we relate to ourselves and others. In this chapter, the writers convey the universality of identity by uncovering themes such as growth, love, loss, perseverance, language, and the human experience. The narratives explored detail the diverse facets of identity—the places we navigate and the personas we choose to portray—all of which contribute to shaping our essence.

Koraleigh Ahearn’s poem “Girlhood” is a lighthearted reflection of the transition from “girlhood” to adulthood and how, through societal pressures, Barbie becomes a symbol of yielding to the inevitability of growing up. Jared Simmond’s

“The Moon as Object” illustrates the moon as an entity beyond human comprehension, considering themes of subjectivity and perception. The speaker grapples with whether or not the moon’s beauty and existence stem from divine or natural evolution. Keridwen Campbell’s essay “Sounds Queer: Linguistic Perceptions of Sexual Orientation and Gender” examines how language and speech patterns are perceived and relate to sexual orientation and gender, discussing gender inversion theory and research findings on speech patterns. They analyze the concept of the “gay voice,” stereotypes, and the complexity of identity, suggesting further research into the web of connections between language, identity, and sexual orientation.

The sections of this chapter highlight the complexities and ebbs and flows of the human experience. Through the author’s distinct voices and personal narratives, the creative works and the critical essay demonstrate how identity is an ever-changing concept, shaped or constrained by societal pressures, culture, spirituality, love, loss, and philosophical reflections. A unifying thread running through the pieces is the exploration of transformation, transition, and growth, emphasizing identity as a journey in which challenges emerge and how we uncover more about ourselves by overcoming adversities. Lastly, these pieces address identity’s intrinsic ambiguity and subjectivity, challenging conventional notions and encouraging readers to grapple with the complexities of defining it.

Brianne Harper

Editor