Culture
The Quiet in Room 17
I always knew something was different about me. Not the “gifted child” kind of different, or even the “she’s so quirky” type. This difference didn’t come with praise or pats on the back. It came with whispers, narrowed eyes, and the lingering silence after I entered a room.
By Zakir Ullah8 months ago in Pride
Baseball is For Everyone: Part 4
Greetings, Vocal readers and Happy Pride Month! I've addressed the many reasons why America's pastime is for everyone in previous stories, which I'll have down below. I know I said that the previous story of me discussing this topic was the last time addressing opponents of LGBTQ+ people and anything that's related to it. Now, I have even more things to discuss and helpful advice for them. Once you have read this story, please give it a like and subscribe to my page on here. Also, follow me on my socials. Finally, please send me a one-off tip at the end of this story to support my work as I continue to write and publish more stories.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 8 months ago in Pride
Unapologetically Me...Now
Happy Pride, Vocal readers! I love this time of year, because it's a reminder to conservatives and anyone who heavily dislike us that we aren't going back in the closet. At least, not in the foreseeable future. Our voices will grow even louder, and we refuse to shut up.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 8 months ago in Pride
The Pakistani Chai Culture: More Than Just a Cup of Tea
In Pakistan, chai is not just a beverage—it’s a tradition, a comfort, a social glue, and in many ways, a cultural identity. While tea is consumed globally, in Pakistan, it holds a sacred place in daily life. Whether you’re a laborer taking a break or a guest in someone's home, chai is almost always part of the picture.
By aadam khan8 months ago in Pride
The True Story and Double Life of Billy Tipton. Top Story - June 2025.
When Billy Tipton died, the world finally noticed him—but not for his music. It was January 1989, in Spokane, Washington. Billy collapsed in the small home where he'd quietly raised a family. Paramedics arrived too late. He was 74. A jazz musician, semi-retired, father to three adopted sons, partner to a woman named Kitty. To anyone who knew him—really knew him—he was a gentle, private man who had lived a decent, ordinary life. The kind of man who made spaghetti from scratch, taught his boys to balance a checkbook, and still tinkered on the piano at night.
By Tim Carmichael8 months ago in Pride
Finding My True Family
Greetings, Vocal readers! I've been very open about who I am for the last several years in numerous stories. I fully embrace my true self daily and unapologetic for it. Despite Republican politicians increasingly attempting to silence and denying our existence, our voices will grow even louder. I'm going to tell a story about how an event changed my life forever. Be sure to sound off in the comments below and be sure to like this story once you have read it. If you have any questions about what I look for in a guy, please also share them down below. Also, follow me on my socials. Finally, please send me a one-off tip at the end of this story to support my work as I continue to write and publish more stories.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 8 months ago in Pride
Intersectional Mental Health Disparities. Content Warning.
This is a researched opinion paper for a Social Services & Behavioral Health class, and I figured that I wanted to share it with the world. I believe that the points touched upon in this paper are valid, now more than ever in this political climate.
By C.M.Dallas8 months ago in Pride
