Male Wi Cheri (2018)

Male Wi Cheri (a saying in Haitian Creole meaning “Yes, I am leaving, my darling.” This phrase is usually said when you are announcing your departure or absence to your loved ones such as your mother or your partner) is a piece about my fictional departure from my country and religion through a conversation with God. When either my homeland of Haiti and my multicultural as well as my Catholic upbringing did not celebrate or support my queerness, my first instinct was to flee. Flee the country, flee my culture and literally and figuratively export my queerness to more liberal countries like the United States or France.  I never fled. I stuck it through and integrated my sexuality in the conservative environments that created me. 

However, this piece represents the last words I’d speak if I did actually detach myself from my country and my religion. The imagery conveys my forced confessionals. These words were hard for me to say, to say goodbye to my God and Haiti. I’d never really imagined uttering these words until now. The actions I am performing are reminiscent of torture because it would have been painful— physically and psychologically— to vocalize what I’d say if I actually departed. 

But, cheri, I am here, I haven’t departed. I am here, I will never depart. 

I’ve arrived.