Empowerment

Representative literature
Author: Dream Books Sanjeevi Discovering The Namesake mirrored my immigrant struggles, affirming my cultural identity and transforming feelings of alienation into pride, ultimately shaping my self-acceptance and love for diverse narratives in literature.
By Sanjeevi Kandasamyabout a year ago in Pride
Rise from Injustice in the Spirit of Love
I am no Martin Luther King But I too have a dream . In this world, no one has signed a declaration of liberation That love between people must be equal
By Henrik Hagelandabout a year ago in Pride
And just like that, I felt seen
Santana was hot, she was quick with her slick tongue (and ponytail), and I absolutely loved her voice. Before her, there was the DVD of Set it Off starring Queen Latifah (my all time crush). And throughout my entire journey of realizing I was relating a little too hard and loving way too much of the gay character for this to just be some awesome allyship…there was a looooot of white gay characters that somewhat fit me, but not quite. Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.
By Jay,when I writeabout a year ago in Pride
A Candle in the Darkness
As a child, I did not possess the knowledge and vocabulary around social structures I have today but I was able to perceive differences in treatment, consideration and respect. Children can tell who belongs to the “in crowd” and who stays out. The signs are clear as day and the messaging is constant. Early on, I integrated the notion that certain people were celebrated and others were not. A specific few were even despised and erased whenever possible—that is, when they were not ridiculed.
By Lily Séjorabout a year ago in Pride
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