Yes, Queen. Yes.

I took a detour in my morning routine to grab a coffee from one of my favorite spots. While waiting for my Dirty Horchata, I perused the free book cart located near the takeout window. I noticed this gem immediately. Queen Liliuokalani is such a pivotal figure in Hawaiian history. Her story is complicated and historically tragic, but held with great reverence by those with Hawaii roots.

March is Women's History Month and I think it's only fitting to start with Queen Liliuokalani's story. She was the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, ruling from 1891-1893, when she was overthrown by the American military.

In the introduction of the book, the author discussed the great responsibility she was given from Liliuokalani's hanai (foster) daughter, Lydia, to tell the Queen's story. "I trust you to tell the truth," Lydia told her.

The truth is about more than just facts and dates. A story like Liliuokalani's is about more than her place in history. It is about her character, her celebration and struggle (documented and private), and the powerful reminder that strength isn't just about muscle.

The way that Liliuokalani ruled, even in the face of adversity, was a contradiction to the heavy-handed bullying done by the encroaching U.S. government plotting to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. She embodied the Aloha spirit during a period of political uncertainty and was in many ways an unsung forerunner of the women's rights movement in the United States.

I say this with the utmost sincerity for all Liliuokalani represents not only to Hawaii but to queer folks like myself who will always benefit from unapologetic reflections of bravery to be yourself in the face of repressive normativity, whiteness, colonialism, patriarchy, and wanting to survive AND thrive with compassion and grace.

Yes, Queen. Yes.