Aged 15. 1993

Ground-floor changing room of C&A

Cubicle 5

My cubicle

Scent lingering of previous occupant

Blue curtain

Neoprene drape

A makeshift door

Not fully covering

I could be fully exposed

with just the slightest breeze lifting the curtain

Upright mirror

Uptight attendant, downright shifty look

Did they suspect?

My secret hiding place

to look at stolen birthday cards from WHSmith

The first time I felt alone with a man, to explore my sexuality

Even if that meant looking at 

Hunk in trunks for straight women on its front

Ironically, now I prefer seeing the back of a man

Six pairs of jeans gave me just enough time

to see and leave with a smile on my face

The best experiences are those in private public spaces