Shuli Grosman-Gray reflects on her childhood grappling with her mixed-race identity and her journey from rejecting Harry Potter to finding solace in its themes of acceptance and belonging.
Shuli Grosman-Gray grew up thinking she was too cool for Harry Potter , but it turned out he was just the hero she needed.Social SharingEmerging Queer Voices is a monthly LGBTQ arts and culture column that features different up-and-coming LGBTQ writers. You can read more about the series and find all published editions
Recently, I found myself back in a synagogue for the first time in I don't know how long, greeted at the door by a comically tiny woman with snow for hair and who couldn't help her ignorance. "Shabbat shalom," she says to my more obviously Jewish friend. "Welcome!" she says to me. The succession of a synagogue service feels as natural to me as the blood in my veins and the curls on my head. But I am perpetually trapped on the subway, kitty-corner to a Hassid, locked into his tiny siddur — me, in a miniskirt and a going-out top on my way to Sweat Tour, with our shared language on the tip of my tongue. I choose to sit behind the glass where he can't see me even if he could.
I didn't look like a duck or swim like a duck and, although I could quack like one, I certainly was not a duck. Maybe a swan?One of the nicer girls in my class always had her face buried in a book in the schoolyard at recess, probably for her own protection. Her tiny hands were engulfed by the biggest, chunkiest books I'd ever seen. I remember shaking off any of her good-natured attempts to deal me into what was obviously such a rich experience for her.
I missed out on a lot of formative experiences as I constantly weighed the risks of what I could and couldn't afford to rebel against in my coming of age. The exclusion I felt staying home for Friday night Shabbat dinners instead of experiencing theBut what was lost in white-knuckling the little control I felt over my identity was worsened by sitting out on monoculture experiences that gave other people the spoons to feel seen and accepted in similar circumstances.
LGBTQ+ Issues IDENTITY RELIGION COMING-OF-AGE HARRY POTTER COMMUNITY
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canadian News Roundup: Trudeau's Departure, Trump's Threats, and Trudeau's Lost Cool FactorThis news roundup covers key Canadian stories, including the Liberal party's leadership race after Justin Trudeau's resignation, Donald Trump's threats of economic force against Canada, and the changing public perception of Trudeau's cool factor.
Read more »
How Justin Trudeau captured the zeitgeist, and how he lost itTORONTO — In his early days as prime minister, Justin Trudeau was 'cool.
Read more »
How Justin Trudeau captured the zeitgeist, and how he lost itTORONTO — In his early days as prime minister, Justin Trudeau was 'cool.
Read more »
Canadian News Roundup: Liberals Huddle, Trump's Threats, Trudeau's Lost CoolThis news roundup covers three key stories: Liberal MPs meet to discuss leadership after Trudeau's resignation announcement, Donald Trump's threats to use economic force against Canada spark concern, and a look at how Justin Trudeau's perceived coolness has waned.
Read more »
Trudeau's 'Cool' Image May Have Backfired as Political Tides ChangedJustin Trudeau's image as 'cool' and his early embrace of social media helped him win the youth vote in 2015. However, this same strategy may have contributed to his downfall as political sentiment shifted and rivals adopted his online style.
Read more »
Trudeau's Cool Factor Fades as He Steps DownJustin Trudeau, once lauded for his 'cool' image and engagement with young voters, is stepping down as Prime Minister after facing mounting pressure. His early success in attracting young voters through social media and pop-culture appearances may have ultimately contributed to his downfall as political tides shifted and rivals adopted similar tactics.
Read more »