Identity

The Power of Representation
In honor of National Coming Out Day, I’m reminded of the power of representation in shaping our understanding and empathy toward the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-queer creator and ally, I’ve come to realize how vital it is to see diverse, authentic depictions of queer lives in media, pop culture, and literature. Representation acts as a mirror of view, allowing individuals to see themselves clearly, and for allies, it serves as a window into experiences we may not personally share, but can deeply resonate and relate with.
By Victor Obanor Osagie about a year ago in Pride
A Glimpse Beyond the Mirror
I once believed I knew love's face, A simple truth, a common grace. But then I saw a love so bright, It shifted how I viewed the light.
By Oluwafemi Fred-Ahmaduabout a year ago in Pride
The Colors I Had Not Seen
There was a story, softly told, Of love that dared not fit the mold. Two souls entwined, but not like mine— A path I'd missed, a different line.
By Oluwafemi Fred-Ahmaduabout a year ago in Pride
IDENTITY UNVEILED
I'd always felt different, like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. Growing up, I struggled to understand my emotions, my attractions. I'd feel drawn to one gender, then the other, leaving me confused and uncertain.
By Sharon Oghenekaroabout a year ago in Pride
A Journey into the LGBTQ+ Experience
As a non-LGBTQ+ creator and ally, my journey toward understanding the complexities of the LGBTQ+ experience has been shaped significantly by moments of genuine queer representation. One of the most impactful experiences was watching the television series Pose. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City's ballroom culture during the 1980s and 90s, the show features a predominantly transgender and queer cast that portrays the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of its characters with remarkable authenticity.
By Oluwafemi Fred-Ahmaduabout a year ago in Pride
Being Transparent or Opaque: Life's Toughest Choice
Do I stand tall in the light, where all can see, Who I truly am, who I aim to be? Or do I hide behind shadows, where I blur, Changing my colors, as voices concur?
By Adarsh Kumar Singhabout a year ago in Pride
Carl, Karl, Carl & Karl: VENUS VALLEY’S favourite philosophers
Bittersweetly, it’s almost time for me to finish doing what I’ve been doing and hand over to you, queerly beloveds: Over to you, to take what you’ve hopefully learned from what I’ve hopefully taught, and give it a go yourself.
By Steph Coleabout a year ago in Pride
"Front Runner" of My Life Leading to Self-Discovery, Love and Activism
I was born in another time. The end of the boomer generation, 1964. My upbringing was unspectacular in rural Denmark, I attended a regular public school.
By Henrik Hagelandabout a year ago in Pride
Pivot Point. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
When did it all change? What was the first thing to smack me upside the head and jam its fundamental truth (use real fundament) into my ignorance and prejudice?
By Meredith Harmonabout a year ago in Pride
Emerging. Content Warning.
Without my choice to go to college, I may not have ever known who I am, or it probably would have been delayed much longer.
By J.M. Powellabout a year ago in Pride
The Taste of Connection
Eggs, flour, sugar, meat, potatoes, cold cuts, paper towels, candy, a bottle of rosé wine. It’s Friday. The day Simon allows himself to indulge. He plans to bake a cake when he gets home and enjoy the warmth from the oven while he prepares dinner in his large, bright kitchen, savoring the taste of the cool rosé.
By Henrik Hagelandabout a year ago in Pride
The Children Matter. Top Story - October 2024.
I follow a mostly-upbeat social media platform that features millions of photos and short videos, and I spend maybe an hour a day scrolling though the pictures, reading the captions and the comments. I often find news items that aren’t reported in popular sources, which then forces me to dig up the facts and uncover hidden truths. Some of the comments are spot-on hysterical. Others, however, get trolled to death until the original poster deletes the photo. Standards, both written and unspoken, are followed, and certain original posters (OP) are famously followed because of their unique perspective on things.
By Barb Dukemanabout a year ago in Pride