A note from the author

In this essay the acronym LGBTQ+ is used as an inclusive term for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other varied identities that fall outside heteronormativity. 'Queer’ is a term that is extensively used throughout this piece as a blanket term for the identities included in LGBTQ+, or to describe the more radical division of the LGBTQ+ community.