Empowerment

The Power of Representation
Representation in media, pop culture, and literature plays a vital role in shaping our individual identities and sense of belonging. For many, the first time they see themselves reflected in these spaces can be a life-changing moment—one that influences self-esteem, aspirations, and how we understand our place in the world. One of the most defining moments for me in this regard happened during my teenage years, when I picked up Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give.
By THiNKabout a year ago in Pride
"You Get to Exhale Now". Honorable Mention in Pride Under Pressure Challenge.
“You get to exhale now, Simon. You get to be more you than you have been in... in a very long time. You deserve everything you want.”
By Ted Ryanabout a year ago in Pride
A Healing Break
Hello, it’s me … it’s you … it’s us We’re still here, we made it You protected me for so long Were so strong despite your pain
By Savannah K. Wilsonabout a year ago in Pride
Dynasty, Steven and Me
Once upon a time, there was a young guy. He lived at home with his parents in a small Scandinavian country. There was only one channel on television.
By Henrik Hagelandabout a year ago in Pride
Accurate Representation. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
I remember sitting in my parents’ living room when I was in my early teen years. I don’t remember the age, but it was around that time in my life. I was watching an MTV show about HIV. In the show, two men kissed and hugged and held hands. That was the first time in my life I pondered my sexuality. It brought me peace, that other people can love openly and without shame. Seeing physical affection between two men on a tv screen made me realize that is what I wanted.
By J. Delaney-Howeabout a year ago in Pride
Kill Your Darlings. Top Story - October 2024.
There is so much queer representation in media these days–good, bad, and painfully stereotypical. I'm not looking for it anymore, though. I haven't been since college. I guess you could say I gave up. I see it as being the representation I wish I could have had growing up, but I suppose it's a matter of perspective. As a child, I used to look for myself in media. Desperately.
By kpabout a year ago in Pride
When Did You See Yourself in Media?
Have you ever encountered a character in media that significantly altered your perception of yourself or others? In the soft illumination of a room, the flickering screen projected a comforting radiance, mirroring in the captivated eyes of the silently watching audience.
By PhilipM-Iabout a year ago in Pride
We Must See it to Believe It.
As a Writer, Author, Poet and World-Shifter, I look to the giants of the past to pave my runway. James Baldwin is an icon not only for his contributions to the literary world but for his unapologetic and radical acceptance of himself. When I reflect on why representation of LGBTQ+ trail blazers matters, he is the first icon that comes to mind.
By Ariel Celesteabout a year ago in Pride
Unglitched
I wandered alone for a long time, In a world of black and white. I felt like a splash of color, not belonging. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatárabout a year ago in Pride
I am not broken and I am NOT alone….
It has been difficult for me who I am and who I was in years, especially that I’m still living in the conservative area- very challenging.
By Meghan LeVaughn about a year ago in Pride
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮
Author's Note : Ever feel like you're waiting for someone else to tell you where you fit in? This story is about that moment when you realize you’ve had the power all along to create your own place in the world. If you’ve ever felt invisible, stuck, or like you’re waiting for your story to start—this one’s for you.
By Komalabout a year ago in Pride
Playing Myself. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
Queer representation existed when I was growing up, but it was limited. Only certain sexualities, presented in a certain light.
By Kelsey Clareyabout a year ago in Pride