A New Year With The Same Truth And A Deeper Freedom

A new year is always accompanied by new goals, aspirations, aesthetics, and pressure to change.

That is not of interest to me.

I already know that choosing peace over performance and choosing myself without regret is what this year is all about for me; it's not about reinventing myself.

If you’re queer, African, or living at the intersection of survival and visibility, this year isn’t asking you to be louder, it’s asking you to be more honest.

I’m carrying the lessons that kept me alive. That silence doesn’t protect us, it only protects the systems that harm us. That family is not always blood, and love is not always conditional. Freedom isn't given; it is claimed every day. That softness is not weakness, It’s strength that survived.

The knowledge that I owe no one, a comfortable version of myself is something I carry with me.

I'm leaving behind: Trying to make sense of myself to those who are determined to misunderstand me; lowering my happiness to control others' fear; guilt disguised as culture; shame disguised as religion; silence disguised as peace

To heal, I've learned that you can't forget; you have to refuse to carry something that was never yours.

You survived a year that might have attempted to silence you, erase you, or harden you, but the fact that you are still here, still breathing, and still evolving is what counts.

This year, you don't need a perfect plan, permission, to love yourself. You also don't need to suffer quietly to prove your worth. You deserve rest, safety, and joy, even if it scares people.

Queer Africans will continue to be able to live in full colour in this community, platform, and newsletter. The truth will be told without watering it down, people will be able to be seen without having to perform, and healing will happen without silence.

I'm determined to tell our stories honestly, not in a safe or polite way.

This year, my priorities are: Truth over approval; Community over isolation; Courage over comfort; and Consistency over perfection.

We're moving forward together if you're here with me reading, listening, watching, or just staying alive.

I'm not late, I'm not wrong, I'm not too much, I'm just becoming who I am.

Website – Myownkindofrunway.com
Where all of my writing, projects, and honest thoughts on queer life, style, and freedom come together.

Podcast – Igbo Queer & Unfiltered
Real stories and honest talks about being queer, culture, and healing.

YouTube – Watch My Channel
Visual storytelling through fashion, travel, and honest, queer thoughts.

Fashion – See My Looks
Style that speaks louder than words, carefully chosen outfits, and bold moments.

Wardrobe – Shop My Closet
I've loved and styled these pieces.

Storefront – My Curated Picks
This is my personal pick of brands and necessities.

Stay connected. Stay unfiltered.
#myownkindofrunway

Thanks for being here, for being seen, and for telling the truth.

We are here to stay and have no intention of leaving or being silenced.

Happy New Year.

Charles