Identity

the weight of a wedding dress i'll never wear
my mother kept the magazine clippings in a shoebox under her bed princess sleeves and cathedral trains flowing like water down chapel aisles
By A.O8 months ago in Pride
learning to love the sound of my own voice
the first time i heard myself on a recording i wanted to disappear that voice high and thin like glass breaking was supposed to be mine
By A.O8 months ago in Pride
the first time someone called me by my chosen name
i practiced it in the mirror for months rolling the syllables around my tongue like a prayer i was afraid to say out loud
By A.O8 months ago in Pride
Deliver Me From Them: Jesus, I Need Help!. Top Story - June 2025.
"Well of course, Daddy, I’m all settled in just fine," I say into the Trimline telephone, counting the eon-long seconds like I’m sitting through one of his drawn-out July sermons, bless him. "No, everything’s been alright, thank the Lord. The staff are... helpful. Nothin’ over the top, just a sweet spirit all around. No need to worry."
By Dalma Ubitz8 months ago in Pride
The Prayer Closet
The church was silent. Not in a comforting way, but in the way old buildings get quiet when no one's watching. When even the saints in stained glass look tired of listening.
By Robert Lacy8 months ago in Pride
When the Sharpest Words Wanna Cut Me Down
For the three of them, "party" was defined as "getting drunk, getting high, listening to music, playing cards, and laughing uproariously."
By Lightning Bolt ⚡8 months ago in Pride
Camp Wannabe
Sarah's listless eyes saw the flyer dangling from a single thumbtack on the cork board in her college dorm. Although it was partially curled from the effects of humidity, she could see the bold-lettered word 'amp' which drew her attention. She rolled it out to a flat position and took an unused tack to pin the right side up, making it visible. She could now see the word was 'Camp'. A talent camp. She always wanted to showcase her talents but felt silly about it...
By Lamar Wiggins8 months ago in Pride
Reigning in the Rain
Their love surged both on and off the battlefield, where hundreds of villagers raised their weapons against the soldiers of King Einar of KhaRel. They were merely a distraction, and while they valiantly fought on, one Leopold Dulon snuck through the back alleys of the village bearing a string-and-button fastened cloak in an unassuming gray color. Mercenaries hired by Einer to find him were posted throughout the street corners with orders to haul him back kicking and screaming if they must.
By Lizzy Rose8 months ago in Pride
Infinately . Content Warning.
Tate watched as her friends, Sam and Cat, in the seats next to her, in the dark close the distance between their hands, it was profound. And something was awakening inside of Tate, changing her.
By Lore S. Crown 8 months ago in Pride
Proudly Living Within The Intersection. Runner-Up in Pride Under Pressure Challenge. Top Story - June 2025.
Each day, upon awakening, each one of our individual identities takes center stage. We open our eyes and allow ourselves to be who we authentically are; who we are inherently, at our core. If we're fortunate, the world around us recognizes our identities, and builds systems and institutions that honors these identities in a way that allows us to live fulfilling lives. Our identities are inextricable from who we are, especially how we operate on a daily basis.
By Jose Antonio Soto8 months ago in Pride
A Bulldog in a Rainbow Cape. Runner-Up in Pride Under Pressure Challenge.
The morning I walked out of the house in that white denim jacket and tight black jeans, I felt like the most flamboyant gay man ever. I was ready to dip on stage and take it right up the ass (figuratively, of course). On the way home though, the aggressively protective masc dyke came out to play and I was ready to punch out a light if needed.
By Oneg In The Arctic8 months ago in Pride
My Personhood is Not Political. Runner-Up in Pride Under Pressure Challenge.
I came out of the closet as nonbinary for the first time to my best friend, then to my parents. Shortly after, I came out again, to my sister. Then to my other siblings. And I’m still coming out, on a regular basis, to this day.
By Raistlin Allen8 months ago in Pride