Читать книгу In Audre’s Footsteps - Heidi R. Lewis - Страница 9

DANA MARIA ASBURY

I struggle to translate big feelings into private words. I struggle again to translate private words into public text. One of the first times I met Katja Kinder, she shared that it’s not necessary to archive everything. It is not necessary to write everything down. That you are living it in the moment is enough. I felt a great sense of recognition and affirmation sitting across from her that day, and feel it again whenever I remember. Prof. Dr. Maisha Auma and Heidi felt differently about the necessity of writing. The fact this book exists is proof that archiving and sharing beyond the immediate circle is important, too.

My place in this book and overall project has been to linger and learn in the in-between space, holding very much private, internal, and close, while being stretched to communicate and become legible to a broader community of siblings.

I am so grateful to every person who has shared space and time and love with me and Heidi these past 7 years in Berlin and across digital geographies. I know each and every one of you is intentional about who you choose to live beside. Some of the greatest privileges of my life have been to share silliness, laughter, vulnerability, food, smokes, afternoon rooftops, rage, cemetery walks, garden BBQs, fast breaking, hugs, and memories with you. Thank you for always making this weird, quiet lurker feel loved, at home, and worthy.

Thank you, #FemGeniusesinBerlin, for modeling curiosity, creativity, and so many ways of being in and shaping the world. Thank you Mae and Jazlyn and Jade for your labour, artistic visions, and collaboration.

Thank you Carleen and James and Christopher and Sherwin and Hermione for the purpose, presence, and gratitude I feel as we share this basement space in Darby Township, Pennsylvania.

Heidi, you are very precious to me. Our friendship is important. I would not and could not exist if not for you and our relationship. This is a fact and in no way hyperbole. I love you very, very much. Thank you for your commitments and for living and saying and writing exactly what you mean to.