Pride Under Pressure Challenge Winners

Some identities are easy to carry. Others take work.

This challenge was about writing into that work. The weight of being seen. The quiet courage it takes to stay visible. Writers shared personal, honest moments of fear, love, exhaustion, and resilience, not trying to explain, just telling the truth.

Here are the ones that told it best.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: A Life in Three Parts by River and Celia in Underland

River and Celia in Underland's writing pulls you right into the vulnerability of self-discovery without forcing it.

🥈 $200 Second Place: Snapshots of God's Image by Tyler C Clark

Tyler C Clark's blend of faith and identity lands with honesty that lingers.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

I Don't Want My Children to be Trans by Autumn S.

Autumn S.'s raw depiction of parenting under pressure hits with emotional weight.

Deconstructing My Depression by C.M.Dallas

C.M.Dallas's reflection on identity feels personal and protective in all the right ways.

Sickos by Becca Shaley

Becca Shaley's quiet honesty makes every unsaid word feel heavy.

Whistle in the Dark by Amelia

Amelia's handling of forbidden love feels intimate without ever becoming dramatic.

A Girl Named Parker by Marie Wilson

Marie Wilson's focus on steady, unwavering love gives this piece its warmth.

The Quiet Half by Kat The Girl

Kat The Girl's portrayal of self-realization feels true without needing big moments.

A Bulldog in a Rainbow Cape by Oneg In The Arctic

Oneg In The Arctic's humor and heart make complex identity feel light and human.

The Stage Is A Cage by Katerina Petrou

Katerina Petrou's tension between performance and truth simmers under every scene.

March, March... by Natasja Rose

Natasja Rose's subtle nods to history and resilience land with quiet power.

Proudly Living Within The Intersection by Jose Soto

Jose Soto's reflections on layered identity feels lived-in and deeply real.

UNSENT (2:17 AM): Monologue of We Were Never Sisters by Dalma Ubitz

Dalma Ubitz's confessional tone makes every late-night thought hit close.

My Personhood is Not Political by Raistlin Allen

Raistlin Allen's humor brings some levity to the exhausting work of being seen.

Where can they turn now? by Maddy Haywood

Maddy Haywood's interwoven voices echo the universal need to belong.

I Used to Wish I Were Straight by I. Lazyryn

I. Lazyryn's portrayal of self-discovery stays grounded and refreshingly unforced.

Forge and Sanctuary by Meredith Harmon

Meredith Harmon's depiction of chosen family feels safe and real.

🏅 Honorable Mentions

As our challenges continue to grow, we are celebrating even more incredible writers with Honorable Mentions—a special spotlight for stories that stand out for their creativity, originality, or emotional impact. Writers who receive an Honorable Mention get a special badge that appears on their profile, showcasing their achievement and contributions to the Vocal community.

• The Doctor's Assistant by Natalie Gray
• The Capacity of Our Hearts by Alyssa Nicole
• Brewing T by kp
• "You Get to Exhale Now" by Ted Ryan
• The Ancient Greeks Were Bisexual and Into Frottage!! by ANTICHRIST SUPERSTAR
• Lost Island by Bex Jordan
• Hidden Layers by Carol Ann Townend
• One, two, three by Lane Burns
• Queer Light of Truth by Raphael Fontenelle
• Finding Pride by Josey Pickering

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.