Pop Culture
Ancestry, Addiction, and the American Dream: A Review of "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong
Sometimes you pick up a book that is so deep, beautiful, and layered in meaning, the words, without saying, ask you to put them down for a moment, just to be sure you're ready for them. Ocean Vuong's debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous demands us to feel. It isn't just Vuong's story, or the format of his novel in the shape of a letter to his mother who cannot read, that makes On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous impactful, though. Vuong's craft is so stunning, thought-provoking, and intentional that you cannot help but be suffocated by his words; in that mesmerizing asphyxiation is where we meet his narrator, Little Dog, and in his story, we are reminded of pieces of ourselves, or maybe a loved one, or perhaps the fragments of someone we might once have known. Ocean Vuong doesn't flinch and in doing so connects dots over decades to tell a story that is not just Little Dog's, but so much of North America's.
By sleepy draftsabout a year ago in Pride
If Walls Could Talk
Jaime Adrian’s latest release, “Secret Love Song (Part III),” is turning heads with its bold reimagining of Little Mix’s iconic ballad. By transforming it into a club-ready anthem, Adrian has created a deeply personal tribute that celebrates themes of hidden love and LGBTQ+ visibility, while honoring his admiration for Little Mix and their enduring support for the queer community.
By Ben Nelsonabout a year ago in Pride
Ensuring Fairness and Inclusivity in Women’s Sports
Growing up, I was raised in a faith that taught me to love everyone, regardless of their journey on this earth. My religious upbringing instilled in me the importance of compassion, empathy, and inclusiveness toward all people, no matter their background or identity. In recent years, the debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports has grown increasingly contentious. Both sides present compelling arguments: advocates for inclusion emphasize the importance of equality, while critics raise concerns about fairness and safety in athletic competition. A balanced and equitable solution that respects the rights of all athletes while maintaining the integrity of women's sports may lie in the creation of distinct subgroups for transgender and cisgender athletes. This proposal has the potential to embrace inclusion without compromising fairness, fostering a sporting environment that promotes respect and opportunity for everyone.
By T. E. Doorabout a year ago in Pride
My First Love
The sun dappled through the overhang of leaves, creating moving shaded areas on the well used wooden seats of the old library. Aryan, a tranquil kid with a universe of contemplations behind his scenes, was immersed in an exhausted duplicate of "Pride and Bias." His heart beat with an odd musicality, a blend of expectation and apprehension, as he sat tight for her.
By Iftikhar Akramabout a year ago in Pride
Retired Drag Icon is Spreading Light this Holiday Season
Logan Hardcore was a celebrated drag performer, renowned for her biting humor and outrageous performances in New York City and on Fire Island. In September 2022, the performer shocked fans on Instagram, announcing that she was hanging up her heels to pursue other endeavors.
By Ben Nelsonabout a year ago in Pride
Smashby’s Torch Song is About More Than Moving On from Love
Smashby's latest single, “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)”, marks an emotional and stylistic shift for the rising pop artist. Drawing inspiration from a past heartbreak, the song serves as an anthem of self-love and empowerment and delivers a message that will resonate with listeners who've experienced the pain of unrequited love and come out stronger on the other side.
By Ben Nelsonabout a year ago in Pride
An (Aro)Ace in the Hole
Sex and romance have always been touchy subjects for me. That is not to say I'm the type to run screaming from the room when a kissing scene appears on TV or to gag at a picture of genitals in health class. While I've never minded approaching either subject from an intellectual standpoint, I can't relate from an emotional standpoint, and the thought of actively participating in either makes me uncomfortable. I view sex and romance the way some people view skydiving, fun in theory but not in practice.
By Morgan Rhianna Blandabout a year ago in Pride
