The Tower of Babel is one of the many myths told in the Old Testament, its concept has been explored in numerous variations and similar myths in many ancient civilizations.
However, the core facts remain the same in all these stories. In the christian version, human beings, still yet communicating with one singular common speech, build an enormous tower, a temple climbing toward the Heavens to prove humanity’s incredible intelligence and talent.
God, seeing this construction, takes offence and can’t tolerate that humanity could reach Heaven on their own accord and without divine approval. So he decides to disperse humans throughout the Earth, separating their languages and hindering any communication that could lead to the progress of the endeavour; or, in other versions, deciding to simply destroy the tower.
The Tower of Babel is a metaphor for queer bodies and for any non-conforming existence, a colossal feat of strength residing in a community that defies the status quo and patriarchal power. Hence the phrase “If this body is a temple, I’ll be Babel's Tower”, a symbol of nonconformism, rebellion and radicalization against all oppressed bodies, especially female and trans* bodies, endless prisoners and subordinates in a cishet and capitalist society.
Though my wish is to continue this “Tower” even if we’re divided and far from our communities. Queer people learned from their hardships and our strength resides in the community that embraces us. We will always speak “the same language”, united and firm against “divine will” .