Advocacy
- Top Story - March 2024
I am no different to them
With the brutal and violent deaths of two 16-year-old's Nex Benedict (they/them) and Brianna Ghey (she/her), one year apart, and nothing but an ocean dividing them. Nex Benedict was attacked in a bathroom of their school, they weren't attacked because of an argument they were attacked and sustained injuries that killed them over their choice to be themselves. Brianna Ghey, another 16 year old, was stabbed over 20 times to death, again, not because of an argument, not over gang affiliations or anything like that, she was killed over her decision to be who she was.
Quaker-nomicsPublished 2 months ago in Pride The Capybara Chronicles
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, there exists a creature known for its gentle nature, its sociable disposition, and its ability to thrive in harmony with its surroundings. This creature is the capybara, the largest rodent in the world, and it is a fitting symbol for the life of Mia.
- Top Story - February 2024
Pride As A Virtue
First off: explaining the subtitle, so as not to be hunted down by people who actually speak French... "Legibeti-quoi" is the phonetic garble of LGBT, followed by the French 'quoi', representing the often-left-out QIA+ part of the acronym.
Natasja RosePublished 2 months ago in Pride Feminism, For Her, And Him, And Them: VENUS VALLEY Gets Intersectional
I’m still here, my queerly beloveds; the finale section of this LGBTQIA+-philosophy-book-in-progress is now in its third chapter! And it’s a bit of a reading recommendation list, among other things; which, if you’ve been here since we started, you’ll know is where we started. If you’re coming in late, all you need to know is that you can debate, discuss, question, contribute, to each chapter of this book, as I release it in blog form, to your head’s and heart’s content; and your insights and inputs will be my edits, as this blog becomes a book; so the final finished book will be us, not just me. This chapter of things I’ve found while I’ve been working on this project, and will probably slot into place through the finished book, actually (hopefully) works as a taster of what it will be, if you’re new here. Welcome, just in time before we nearly finish, to Venus Valley: Queer Philosophers’ Forum.
Mx. Stevie (or Stephen) ColePublished 2 months ago in PrideThe PMDD Tango
It is safe to say that one of the biggest remarks I get when people realize I am a WLW(or women loving women for the straights), is "Omg two periods, that must be crazy!". And they are right, syncing up with your partner and riding the menstrual train of being overly emotional, irritable, crampy and sometimes even irrational is just part of what comes with the WLW territory. But from experience, sometimes it can be really nice having someone to cuddle on the couch with, eating all your favorite snacks, crying at movies that aren't meant to be cried through, and massaging each others cramps while simultaneously cursing mother nature. For a week every month this is the routine, maybe you two will argue, but pretty quickly one or both of you will realize "Wow, I'm really pmsing!" and it will be laughed off. But, what if that realization never comes from your partner? What if instead of a week of being slightly emotional, every month their cycle completely takes over their mind and body for weeks at a time?
R-E-S-P-C-T
Given the current noise around Trans people Existing In Public, and legislation being tabled against it, I thought it was time for some pushback.
Natasja RosePublished 3 months ago in PrideAlways Say Gay
When the whole world is connected and you're supposed to be able to be your true and honest self, what do you do when you can't? In 2024 it's no longer taboo to be a member of the LGBT community, laws have passed allowing for same sex marriage, strides are being made for gender affirming care for gender nonconforming youths. So then why are gay suicide and trans murders happening at such an alarming rate across the county?
- Top Story - January 2024
A Queer Rebirth Has Come to Vocal
The past few months have really been about rebirth for me. There have been many firsts which hasn’t been easy, and it has been more than I would have expected for someone in their late twenties. But along with these first, I’ve been rediscovering and reclaiming my identity. And along with that, I’ve also been given opportunities to advocate and empower others. From my job as a teacher, to my own inner child work, there have been so many grateful opportunities for queer voices and stories to emerge.
Oneg In The ArcticPublished 3 months ago in Pride The Story of Masculinity and Femininity
When you walk into the store for shaving equipment, you’ll see something that has become so ubiquitous that it’s easy to ignore your natural curiosity and simply buy what you’re told will work. If you’re a man, you buy the blue, orange, black, and gray colored packaging. If you’re a woman, you buy the pastel, pink, and white colored packaging. You’ll take your new razors home, they’ll cut your hair perfectly fine, and you’ll move on to more important parts of your life.
Pride is Not A Controversial Community on Vocal
I have been sitting on this piece for a few days now, wondering if it needed to be written or if I would stir the pot. It turns out I can’t let the subject stay unaddressed.
J. Delaney-HowePublished 3 months ago in Pride- Runner-Up in We Have a Dream Challenge
Magic Sparkle Bubble Kiss
I read about a rich couple who bought an oceanfront property. The shells on their beach were boring, so they had a servant go out to place dazzling specimens along their daily route. Their children would thrill to find them on their afternoon stroll.
Marie WilsonPublished 3 months ago in Pride It's time to talk about the trans genocide
Content Warning: This article contains discussion about transphobia, descriptions of hate crimes and violence, discussions of historical genocides, and talk of active anti-trans legislation. Please read at your own discretion.
ghostsandrebelsPublished 4 months ago in Pride