Fair Exchange - Destiny O. Birdsong

In “Fair Exchange,” Bíbí and Steven find themselves years into their relationship and navigating the unsteady world of academia. When job prospects cause Steven to consider that they might no longer live in the same city, he proposes that they open their relationship. What ensues is a powerful and poignant look into how intimacy and connection look and feel for Bíbí.

Poets are such sharp writers of prose, and this story thrums on the line level with Bíbí’s curiosity and desire. “Fair Exchange” examines the power of intimacy and the forms of queer desire in a rich, original way, and I’m so excited that we get to share the story for this special issue.

Edited by Michael Colbert and Emily Lowe