"Now, for the rest of my life, I know my pride is permanently on display" - Claire G Coleman reflects on Poetry Object 2019

Read and listen to Claire's poem 'Forever, Flag'

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I am an Aboriginal woman; nobody whose opinion matters to me is uncertain of that. However, a couple of years back I realised that my skin, what many people use to identify people, reads as white. People who do not know me would think of me as a white person with a tan.

A method to make it clear I am Aboriginal and proud of it was necessary. On a trip to celebrate my birthday I had the Aboriginal flag inked into my skin. Now, for the rest of my life, I know my pride is permanently on display.