NO.MAD.ICH.

This is a self-portrait in reflection of being a nomadic/repeatedly displaced female individual from a highly stigmatised and marginalised background (eastern european//former soviet union), which comes with having to perpetually break through straight jackets of stigma, assumptions, and stereotypes, and reinventing anew in each coming environment.

We often, and rightfully so, talk about white privilege. But I would truly hope that we can start recognising is as Western white privilege, the one in which you are never denied a visa or a work permit to a western country on mere assumption that as a eastern european woman you would either prostitute yourself or engage in some other dubious activity in order to illegally remain in the country of entry. The privilege of not needing a visa or a permit. The privilege of not having your integrity questioned and intentions scrutinised if you engage in a relationship with someone from a western country, on the assumption you are fishing for a green card. The privilege of not having to prove anything to anyone unless you yourself choose to.

NO.MAD.ICH

we are what we lost.
and never went back for.

- are you even in the country legally?
- yes. i am a citizen.
- huh...
the woman grabs her groundless feet
into her knotty old hands and rolls away.
my palms are dry and washed out as
the dotted old maps of my wanderings.
am i even in the country legally?

(for full poem, please, refer to the 'Selected Poetry' section)