This is an image of a quantum computer from SQMS at Fermilab National Laboratory. Quantum computers need to be kept at extremely cold temperatures, near absolute zero, because the qubits (quantum bits) are very sensitive and warmer temperatures cause thermal vibrations and noise which can lead to errors. It may seem like a bit of a stretch but I believe this can be a good metaphor for the process many queer people go through. Rather than being kept at absurd temperatures, society tries to keep us as close to cis straight people as they can. They attempt to freeze our true selves from coming out, and force us to conform to typical gender roles. But all we want to do is defrost and be our true selves. People are worried that this might cause “vibrations” or “noise” so to speak and disrupt our community. But that is not the case at all. In reality the more diverse we are, the better we will be. What they believe will cause “errors” will actually create acceptance. Because here’s the thing: people are not quantum computers. So let us defrost, let us be ourselves, and let the rest of the world realize that we will be better for it.