Category: poetry

United for Hope

United for Hope: The World AIDS Day Pledge

Today, we stand beneath the solemn sky,
To honour lives lost, and never let them die.
HIV/AIDS, a shadow we cannot ignore,
Still claiming lives, still knocking at the door.

To every soul, regardless of name,
This is a fight we all must claim.
Keep off the networks where danger may lie,
Protect your heart, your body—don’t let dreams die.

To my queer family, bold and true,
This battle is ours; we must see it through.
For too many loved ones, we’ve had to say goodbye,
Let’s stay vigilant, let’s not let hope die.

Let education be the shield we wield,
Knowledge a weapon, a formidable field.
Empower the youth with facts so clear,
To conquer ignorance, dispel the fear.

International voices, hear this call:
Lend your hand, for this fight affects us all.
To refugees, the displaced, those in war-torn lands,
Palestine, and beyond, let’s extend our hands.

To NGOs, with hearts so grand,
Support the vulnerable; let them stand.
Medication, care, and hope to renew,
For the LGBTIQ, and the broken too.

HIV/AIDS is real, a foe we all face,
Let’s combat it together, with love and grace.
On this World AIDS Day, let unity shine,
For a future of health, for a brighter design.

Composed by Joseph K (He/Him)

This blog ©2024 Geoff Allshorn. All rights hereby returned to the poet.

United in Pride

United in Pride: Celebrating World Pride Day

Celebrating Pride Month on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

(Remembering LGBT+ refugees whose voice is often silenced)

In June, we dance in colors bright,
In rainbow hues, we claim the night.
For every heart that dares to be,
We celebrate our unity.

With joy and love, we raise our voice,
In every song, in every choice.
To all who shine, both near and far,
You are perfect as you are.

To LGBTIQ folks and friends,
Our pride, our strength, our love extends.
In every heart, a flame burns true,
For all the colors that are you.

Stand strong, endure, and face the day,
With courage that won’t fade away.
For every tear, for every fight,
There comes a dawn, a brighter light.

In unity, we find our might,
Together, we can turn the tide.
With open arms and spirits high,
We lift each other to the sky.

So here’s to love, in every form,
To weather every passing storm.
To bonds of friendship, family ties,
We stand together, proud and wise.

A joyful heart, a spirit free,
That’s what pride will always be.
With hands held high and voices clear,
We celebrate, year after year.

The Pride event in Kakuma Refugee Camp, July 2023, that for one moment brought Kenya into the civilised world.

Happy Pride Month Message

To all LGBTIQ people and families, we wish you a very happy Pride Month! Embrace your strength and stand tall against any adversity. Let love, unity, and brotherhood guide us, as we celebrate who we are and the beautiful diversity within our rainbow family. Together, we are unstoppable. Happy Pride! From Joseph

= = =

STOP PRESS: We remember the Stonewall riots occurred in response to police violence against LGBT+ people a generation ago. However, we should also remember that today, the situation is no less terrible for many people around the world. Yesterday, our friend and poet, Joseph, was a victim of police violence and he is currently in hospital where he will hopefully recover after his ordeal. To Joseph from all your fans who love your poetry and the spirit of pride and optimism that it represents, your rainbow family and allies send their love and best wishes for a quick recovery.

This blog ©2024 Geoff Allshorn. Remembering also my three other LGBT+ friends in Africa who have been attacked by homophobes this week.

The Echoes of Struggle

The Echoes of Struggle and Hope for LGBTIQ+ Refugees
and the Middle East Conflict.

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

In shadows deep, where hope seems lost,
Lie stories untold, a heavy cost,
Where souls in plight, with courage tread,
In lands torn by strife, by fear they’re led.

In Africa’s embrace, where hues alight,
LGBTIQ+ souls, in silence fight,
Seeking refuge, a shelter to find,
‘Midst trials of hearts, a plight confined.

For love in colors, they face disdain,
A world unkind, they strive to regain
Their dignity, their rights to be,
In a home where they can be free.

And in the Middle East, a conflict’s roar,
Israel and Palestine, history’s score,
A battleground etched with tears and cries,
Where dreams dissolve ‘neath sorrow’s skies.

In Gaza’s streets, and Jerusalem’s call,
Lives torn apart, hopes rise and fall,
Families fractured, futures in doubt,
Echoes of despair, within and without.

Both places, diverse, in struggle they bind,
Yearning for peace, the tranquil find,
Aching for solace, a haven’s embrace,
Yearning for harmony, a gentle grace.

Yet in the midst of trials, courage thrives,
Resilient souls, in hope, revive,
Seeking a world where differences blend,
Where love and acceptance transcend.

May empathy bridge the rifts, unite hearts,
Kindness as balm, where healing starts,
A world where all, despite creed or name,
Find solace and peace, their spirits reclaim.

Let us stand, voices raised as one,
For those in shadows, their tales undone,
May compassion guide, may love’s light shine,
For LGBTIQ+ refugees and a land’s divide to intertwine.

Complied by Joseph. K (He/Him)

©2023 Geoff Allshorn. All rights returned to the author.

Resilient Wings: The Journey to Education Freedom

This poem was sent to me by an LGBT+ refugee who battled against incredible odds to gain a qualification at university.

Friday 4th August marked a special day in his life when he graduated.

I am very proud of this young man, and regret that I cannot share photos of his special day out of fears for protecting his safety.

Your friends and extended family all send their love and pride, Joseph.

Resilient Wings: The Journey to Education Freedom

Amidst the trials and tears I’ve known,
As an LGBTIQ student, I’ve grown,
Through the winding path, I found my way,
To the light of graduation’s ray.

Homophobia’s bitter claws did sting,
But to my truth, I chose to cling,
In classrooms filled with doubt and strife,
I embraced my identity, my life.

Challenges, like storms, did try to sway,
But I stood strong, come what may,
For the world may not have understood,
Yet my resilience, it withstood.

Through sleepless nights, I toiled away,
To break the barriers, find my day,
To shatter norms and rise above,
To cherish the essence of self-love.

My fellow travelers, brave and true,
Together, we fought, a fearless crew,
In unity, for acceptance we yearned,
And from society’s chains, we learned.

Amidst the darkness, hearts of gold,
Friends and family, strong and bold,
You stood by me, through thick and thin,
Guiding my soul to soar and win.

To mentors, teachers, allies near,
Thank you for wiping away my fear,
For showing me that I belong,
In the chorus of love’s sweet song.

Now, as I don the cap and gown,
With pride, my heart begins to crown,
This moment of triumph, a dream come true,
I owe it all to each of you.

To those who helped me reach this stage,
Gratitude fills each word on this page,
For believing in me, you see,
You made this graduation journey.

With joyous smiles, my soul does fill,
A graduate, soaring on the hill,
With newfound strength, my heart is free,
To touch the skies of destiny.

To those who helped me spread my wings,
Through laughter, love, and comforting,
Together, we’ve made history,
And now, my friends, I’m truly free.

Composed by: Joseph (He/Him)

All rights returned to Joseph. This blog ©2023 Geoff Allshorn