New York City

When Ziyad moves away from their home and family for the first time, they relocate to New York City. Because of the repressive nature of their childhood and home life, Ziyad started to think "of New York as the place I could finally explore my queerness unencumbered" (125). They therefore regarded New York as a place of liberation. The diversity of the city and its distance from Ziyad's family felt more promising than intimidating.

Although Ziyad continues to reside in New York, their relationship with the city has changed. They have learned that one environment does not always answer or resolve their internal struggles. They have also moved to many different boroughs and neighborhoods throughout their time there. In the present, they live in an unspecified neighborhood that is less gentrified than many others they have lived before.

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Cleveland Heights is the town...