Advocacy

I am no different to them. Top Story - March 2024.
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.
By Ashyr H.3 years 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.
By Varsha3 years ago in Pride
Pride As A Virtue. Top Story - February 2024.
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.
By Natasja Rose3 years ago in Pride
The 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?
By A Alex3 years ago in Pride
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.
By Natasja Rose3 years ago in Pride
Always 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?
By Ava Karns3 years ago in Pride
A Queer Rebirth Has Come to Vocal. Top Story - January 2024.
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.
By Oneg In The Arctic3 years 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.
By Rivahn P3 years ago in Pride
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.
By J. Delaney-Howe3 years ago in Pride
Let's Talk About Pansexuality!. Top Story - December 2023.
December 8 marks pansexual pride day: a day to acknowledge the efforts made by pan community to gain acceptance and awareness. Pansexuality is a sexuality riddled by misunderstanding and misconception, leaving those who identify with the label frustrated and forced to educate those who don't understand. Education is important, it's easy to do, and no one is ever too old to learn new things.
By choreomanias3 years ago in Pride
Surviving Life
Since 1988 December has been made HIV/AIDS awareness month. This silent pandemic has infected 39 million people and has killed over 680,000 of them since its discovery in 1981. HIV/AIDS is a disease that attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s defenses to fight against infection and diseases. It is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Despite the global awareness of the disease, it still infects less than 2,000 people a year. Here is how you can go through life with HIV/AIDS.
By M.L. Lewis3 years ago in Pride
The Topic of Gender-Affirming Care
Logical fallacies often tap into emotions to sway opinions. Fear-based fallacies, like the appeal to fear or the slippery slope fallacy, can create a sense of urgency or alarm by suggesting dire consequences if a particular action or viewpoint is not adopted. For example, in the context of gender-affirming care, an argument might falsely suggest that allowing such care for transgender youth will lead to irreversible harm or societal chaos, appealing to parental fears for their children's well-being.
By C.M.Dallas3 years ago in Pride