When They Call You a Terrorist

by

Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on When They Call You a Terrorist makes teaching easy.

Cheyenne Character Analysis

Cheyenne was Patrisse’s first girlfriend. She was a basketball player from an unstable home who ultimately dropped out of school because she didn’t have money to pay for the bus to get there. They started dating during their sophomore year, exchanging poetry, reading about race and gender, and talking about spirituality. They felt safe among their friends (many of whom were also queer) at school, but they faced homophobia in the outside world. Their relationship ended when Cheyenne left Patrisse for one of their mutual friends.
Get the entire When They Call You a Terrorist LitChart as a printable PDF.
When They Call You a Terrorist PDF

Cheyenne Character Timeline in When They Call You a Terrorist

The timeline below shows where the character Cheyenne appears in When They Call You a Terrorist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4: Magnitude and Bond
Prisons and Policing Theme Icon
Intersectionality of Identity Theme Icon
Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon
...on social justice and the arts at Cleveland High School. In 10th grade, they befriend Cheyenne—whom Patrisse will become very close to—and Carla, who is bold, loud, and queer. Patrisse tells... (full context)
Chapter 6: Out in the World
Black Lives Matter Theme Icon
Intersectionality of Identity Theme Icon
...her family, too. They are awkward and quiet, and then Patrisse starts telling Naomi about Cheyenne (the basketball player she is dating) and how they talk about spirituality, read books about... (full context)
Black Lives Matter Theme Icon
Intersectionality of Identity Theme Icon
Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon
Patrisse starts to bring Cheyenne back to her home, which is challenging because Patrisse and her family have moved into... (full context)
Intersectionality of Identity Theme Icon
Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon
Patrisse and Cheyenne feel protected in the classroom where queer kids hang out at Cleveland, but in the... (full context)
Chapter 9: No Ordinary Love
Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon
External Forces vs. Personal Responsibility Theme Icon
...and Mark Anthony form a deep friendship not based on sex. Patrisse is still dating Cheyenne, though they are starting to grow apart. Mark Anthony is also reserved, which helps. Their... (full context)
Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon
...still angry but agrees to it because their “little tribe” is “committed to courageous conversations.” Cheyenne had recently left her for one of Patrisse’s friends, and Patrisse doesn’t want any relationship... (full context)