As a composer of queer vocal music, I was thrilled when Nick May approached me about writing a piece for the I Exist Project, his large-scale commissioning project to foster new queer-themed repertoire for saxophone. I wanted to address the struggles faced by our community, while also celebrating our strength and resilience. This transcription for clarinet was prepared at the request of several musicians, and may also be performed on soprano saxophone.

“on queer survival” opens with a gentle melody which is gradually fragmented and transformed, weaving between different moods and colours with hypnotic repetition. At the centre of the piece is a sudden outburst, depicting the violence faced by the queer community daily. As the music settles, it begins to retrace its steps before emerging confident and settled. The opening melody returns one final time before fading away unresolved—as we remember all those who haven’t survived.