Reflections from a Queer Journey
In 2023, I made a familiar journey from Melbourne to Sydney, embracing the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras, dressed in flare pink pants alongside my best friend. We filled the streets with laughter and joy, drawing attention wherever we went.
During our adventures, we stumbled upon a house party. The balcony was alive with dancing individuals, enjoying the music. People were cheering for the DJ while dancing on a car parked beneath a tree, the rhythm syncing perfectly with their rainbow fans.
My gaze was drawn to a girl a short distance away, sporting a LED cowboy hat and a fluffy pink bikini. But it was her striking brown eyes that captured my attention. My friend nudged me to approach her, so I tapped her shoulder and said, “I hope this doesn’t come off too strong, but you’re really pretty.”
To my delight, she smiled and replied she wasn’t straight, adding that she found me pretty too. Her name was Elissa, and we discovered that we shared a similar name and were just weeks apart in age. Her vibrant energy and radiant smile made it feel like we were in our own little world, even amidst the crowd.
We arranged to meet for dinner and drinks the following night. I spent the day at Bronte Beach, reflecting on our fun connection and joking with a friend about Elissa potentially being “the one.”
Once back at the hotel, I received a message from Elissa saying she’d love to see me again if I returned to Sydney. My mind raced with possibilities, though I tried to temper my expectations.
Upon returning to Melbourne, I thought, well, this might be the end of it. We both assumed nothing would develop, especially after our date didn’t go exactly as planned. But, surprisingly, just a few days later, she reached out again. Even though we lived in different cities, our texts and late-night calls became a routine.
A month after we first met, I made a spontaneous decision to book a flight back to Sydney.
Our time together was mesmerizing. Despite the magnetic pull I felt towards her, I was calm and comfortable in her presence.
The trip stretched on longer than expected. We shared secrets and admired the waves at Bondi Beach. I found myself sketching a saxophonist in my diary at Hyde Park, and our mutual love for music became clear.
One evening, sitting in Elissa’s lounge room with a breathtaking view of the cliffs, I noticed a piano in the corner. I excitedly asked if she could play. We’d discussed music before, but this was the first time witnessing her talent live.
She began playing intricate pieces, effortlessly blending grace and skill. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it was to hear her voice, too. After hesitating, she finally sang an Adele song, and her angelic voice combined with her piano skills left me in awe. In that moment, I realized how deeply I was falling for her.
After that trip, we just had to see each other more. Casual wasn’t an option anymore. A new chapter began that led to 18 months of back-and-forth visits between our cities. I still remember the thrill of picking her up at the airport, it felt exhilarating every time. I often detoured for her favorite treat, a McFlurry with extra M&M’s, just to see her smile.
We would count down the moments before flights, hoping for the perfect window seat for views of the opera house.
Cozy nights spent working on crosswords and sitting by the fireplace at a beach house on the Mornington Peninsula felt like pure bliss. Exploring each other’s worlds deepened our bond.
We traveled around Europe for three months, realizing we could no longer handle the sad goodbyes at the airport.
Now, we live together in Melbourne. Two and a half years later, we continue making music and exploring our lives together.
