Olive Oil Hair Creme by Nelly Irwin

In my process of existence, as a Black queer womxn (?) somedays, no gender other days, always identifying myself, always identifying myself, I am reminded of what scent means to me.

Perfume is made of combined fragrance notes, each unfolding hours apart, leaving behind a musky scent.

Hair lotion/skin lotion, reacting in a similar manner.

Have you ever had someone walk past you, a smell lingering which freezes you in place or reminds you of a space in time? I was adopted at a young age and raised by white folks, they covered our home in media with faces like mine and yet I was always looking for more Black, always trying to become more. Have you ever been in a Black hair salon?

I was seven when my father dropped me off at the salon in Culver City, Black women cooing at me, mixing my hair with soaps, oils, lotions. The clicking of intricately painted nails on plastic containers opening, filling my head space with smell.

As an adult, I still use those soaps, oils, lotions, To smell so deliciously and unapologetically Black.

--

Sacrosanct is a community blog that amplifies the voices and art of LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC. As a digital space for marginalized folks to self-define, self-actualize, and heal, Sacrosanct is firmly situated at the core of intersectionality while also providing mental health and community resources made for and by LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC. To fund these LGBTQ2IA+ BIPOC artists for their contributions to the platform, consider leaving a donation here and follow Sacrosanct on Instagram and Facebook.