Child, what could I say to you
so that you would understand?

This is and is not for you.
Now you say you're lonely.

You've cried the whole night through.
You are invited, of course, but

make no mistake: this house is our house,
not yours. A family is a hierarchy,

a house of strength and knowledge, past and present.
You think you know something? Do you

For a lot of queer black people, living is surviving. House of Dinah shows the ways five black Queens are taught or have been taught to own their survival story and speak truth to it. As a queer, non-black person of color, it was an honor to be let in to the sacred space.

A smattering of thoughts during and after House of Dinah: 

—

Tough love is necessary. Silence is golden. Don’t let anyone see you cry.

Dani Tirrell is a dancer/choreographer and founder and Artistic Director of Dani Tirrell Dance Theater/Color Lines Dance Ensemble.  A teacher as well, he currently teaches Modern, House and Vogue throughout the Seattle area. Audiences may have seen some of Tirrell's extrememly personal dance/theater/film work dealing with themes of black queer identity in Seattle and the USA.