ABSTRACT
This is an autoethnographic account of becoming “naturalised” in the persona of “other.” From this perspective of otherness, any sense of belonging is fluid and relational, and is always accompanied by a sense of loss. Stories in sketch form are evoked to make the life journey intelligible, and to contribute to a wider understanding of estrangement. A performance text, this piece documents the personal choices made within a specific socio-political context resulting in unintentional estrangement from both family and culture. This piece traverses nationality, belonging, and the impact not being straight has on a person’s trajectory, and it reveals an interconnection between the Mammy and the landscape. The writing of this account commenced “back home” in Ireland and was concluded in Australia. It reflects on the nationality of inside-ness created from being outside. Through this research, writing of rave and reflection, the ongoing ramifications of a younger self’s instinctively made choices and constructed identity are questioned. A reconciliation of sorts is found through swimming.
