Hello. In September 2018 I am initiating a name change. This is a transitional and intimate interlude, this short statement will not remain, but speaks to the moment:

In the spirit of queer invention, and in the light of many, I’d like to introduce myself with a new name: Every Ocean Hughes (EOH). Hughes is the name of my beloved sister-mother-grandmother and upon her death I took her name. Ocean I chose 20 odd years ago talking names on my mom’s bed in rural Maryland. Every, pronounced “EV-RY,” is a friendly misunderstanding turned identification.

My time to ask for this came upon me softly. A subtle reorientation towards how I feel now, as opposed to the name I was given in another time and place. It’s not hard for me to leave those markers, but it is a challenge to explain emotional change publicly. I want it to be simple: we all change over a lifetime, I’m stepping into something new. I’m 41 years old and I’m choosing this and letting the rest work itself out over time. I’m grateful to have friends as role models, and to live in a community where we do this.

Thank you,

Every

P.S. also hues, and hews. Every ocean hews.
P.P.S. I’ll be both. It’s not a hard line, f.k.a., a.k.a.