Love in the Time of Banned Books #10 | "On Flying" by Isole Kim

Art by Rajveer Parekh

Introduction by Rohan Dhulipalla

"On Flying" by Isole Kim

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"Jumpscare." Artwork by Rajveer Parekh.

16 x 20 In. 

Acrylic on canvas

"Jumpscare" represents my enchantment by a dress my mother owned which is indicated by the bright jewels in the off-center of the composition. The brown that surrounds this brightly lit realm, created by thick application of paint represents my fear and hesitation in taking the leap and trying the dress on due to internalized hate.

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Introduction

“When you were a kid, what did you want to be? An astronaut? A firefighter? Every kid will give a different answer to that question, but chances are one of the most popular is to be a superhero. Soaring through the sky, beating up the bad guys, saving civilians —all of these are things kids expect. However, what good is saving everyone if you can’t even look at yourself in the mirror? “On Flying” by Iseol Kim aims to boost these up-and-coming superheroes through the use of just two words: “You’re Handsome”. 

“On Flying” comprises a step-by-step guide on how to create your superhero identity, to fly, even when life weighs you down with things like two gummed-together X chromosomes. Through costumes, names, and teammates, Kim illustrates how to feel comfortable in your superhero identity, as you won’t have time to worry about what others think when you’re lifting skyscrapers and saving the city. 

At its core, “On Flying” is about the importance of identity. For a superhero to be able to fly they must affirm who they are, as even the most powerful superheroes can be grounded if they hide themselves away from societal expectations. To fly means to empower yourself, to rise above limitations holding you back. After all, who doesn’t want to save the world?

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"On Flying"

by Isole Kim

I learned several things that summer when I saw the entire city below my feet.

First, it’s possible to pack buckets of euphoria into just two English syllables puffed in my direction: “Handsome. You’re handsome.” Eyes wide, I plucked each syllable from the air as “hand” and “some” cascaded over my body, and I flew.

I cut through the thermosphere, fist-bumped the burning stars, and barreled back to Earth like a superhero because, at least for a moment, I got to be who I’ve always been. “Handsome” like Superman. “Handsome” like Iron Man. I smacked kisses onto my bloody “man” knuckles and breathed it all in.

It took me just two syllables to unlock Flight. Here’s the secret.

Flying when you enter this world with two X chromosomes gummed together may be difficult. Even if you’ve got super-strength, they’re a stubborn pair. They can weigh you down. You may try to scratch away at either, neither, or swallow both and all their more physical tokens in billowy teeshirts or between hunched shoulders, but people on Earth can have some steel-grip attachments to these genetic coils. According to some, the X’s are still there, no matter how well-erased.

I advise you not to drive yourself into a ditch over this. There are misunderstood superheroes. No matter what they may say, however, you shouldn’t zap away the abilities that keep you fighting and soaring—resilient. The city needs you, after all, and there’s still so much crime.

The superhero life is a tough one but a rewarding one.

So, the first step in achieving Flight is investing in a costume. There are no rules to world-saving attire. Superheroes have enough to worry about as is, lifting skyscrapers and tangoing with villains. Your costume should be “you.” Wear whatever makes you feel invincible: rippling capes, jazzy socks, spinning skirts, boots, binders, crop tops. You’ll want to feel comfortable in your skin up there throwing punches. Superheroes may not traverse the city in “civilian” clothing by many standards, but their costumes affirm their identities and give them strength, and flying requires strength.

Second, every superhero has an iconic name. Think Wonder Woman or the Thing. Lean into who you are at the core, and I’m confident that your shouted name can spark hope in the city and make your enemies cower. Flying means feeling liberated — empowered. Your name holds so much of you.

The third thing is to acquire some teammates and allies. Even Batman has his Justice League. Establish a base (or your own Batcave, if you will) that’ll serve as a superhero safe space. If you ever forget how to fly, your team can help you recall the clouds. And if, someday, you encounter a towering foe, know that fighting together is better than fighting alone. They’ll make you stronger, I know it.

With a sick costume, an iconic name, and a supportive team behind you, it’s time for the final step. The first time I flew, I stood in front of the mirror. My rainbow cape curled around my ankles. I gulped in an inhale.

“Handsome,” I told the person in the glass. “You’re handsome.”

I felt electricity in my limbs. My blood flushed multicolor. Flight. Flying means being kind to yourself. After you honor these steps and yourself, shoot, let’s meet in the sky.

And once you’re ready, get out there. 

Get out there and save the world.

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About "Love in the Time of Banned Books"

In this series, we seek to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, while critically examining book bans and how they impact the LGBTQ+ community.

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