PRISM Magazine Vol. 2 by Susquehanna University

“This issue of Prism Magazine is dedicated to Mark Fertig (1972-2021), my graphic designer professor, mentor, and friend. He played such an important role in my career path and I owe it to him for helping me evolve as a graphic designer. Without him, having graphic design as a major at Susquehanna University wouldn’t even exist! His talent, dedication, and leadership was larger than life. His passing leaves a tremendous void at Susquehanna University and the community he leaves behind.” -Caitlin Meleski, Class of 2019

I’m delighted that you’ve picked up a copy of Prism Magazine: Spreading Light Across the LGBTQ+ Community! This edition was collectively written by students registered for WGST 400: Topics in WGST: LGBTQ+ Studies in the Spring of 2021. In the middle of Fall 2020, I met with our amazing TA, Jenna Wertz, and we began the process of conceptualizing a final project for this course that would allow students to creatively write and/or express their interest in a topic relevant to the LGBTQ+ community that could be shared beyond the walls of our classroom. Somehow the idea of publishing a collective piece surfaced and from there we prepped for the semester. It has been an amazing journey to watch each student in the course define their topic of study and then determine how they wanted to creatively present it to the world. From research articles to interviews to photo essays to poetry, this class project has turned into so much more than I ever imagined. Even during an international pandemic, each of the students pushed forward with the creation of an amazing piece. Thank you to: • Each of the amazing students in this course who made this project come to life and handled each of the pieces with so much care. • Our TA, Jenna Wertz, who helped conceptualize this project and spent hours reviewing and providing feedback on pieces. You’ve worked diligently with me each step of the way and I’m so grateful to have worked with you this semester. • Our AMAZING graphic designer, Caitlin Meleski, who was so eager to jump in and take on this project and helped turn it into the work of art that it is today. We hope you enjoy this premiere edition of Prism Magazine and we hope that you take what you learn from this piece to shine light on the LGBTQ+ community in your spheres of influence so that together we can create a more inclusive future. -Christiana Paradis, LGBTQ+ Studies Instructor

Then vs. Now: A Picture of Queer Individuals in the Media Sara Bailey

“Schitt’s Creek” and its Impact on my Sexuality Carter Anstine

Drag Culture Through the Years Chloe Acquaviva

What You Need to Know About Drag Marley Clendinin

Bloom Forever Kelly Krotzer

We’re Here to Change the World!: Women in the LGBTQ+ Community Christiana Wadley

I am Told…/What If?/An Ode To Girls Cara Weaver

Paranormativity Brianna Brennan & Em Curtis

Asexuals & Allies Morgan Ernst

ThenVSNow:APictureOfQueerIndividualsInTheMedia_SaraBailey

rguably one of the most notable pieces of fiction, The Picture of Dorian Gray is known for more than the writing style and genius story. It is also a piece of queer literature that is still in the mainstream reading circulation, often being taught in school and mentioned in popular culture. While the queer themes do not dominate the narrative, those themes are something that consumes the conversation surrounding the work, ultimately becoming the main focus. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale about the dangers of an immoral, upper-class lifestyle and how it can tarnish one’s internal character as well as their physical character. The titular character, Dorian Gray, learns this lesson the hard way with his tumultuous life decisions being presented in literature. Overall, an excellent tale, lined with supernatural undertones and twists that keep the reader interested and hooked all the way to the end. Touching upon actions, there are many things that make Dorian Gray an immoral man, but being a queer individual seems to be the main point that people cannot get past. There is clear allusion to the main character being queer, with it being mentioned that he has had relationships with both men and women during his life. While common in today’s society, that little

fact was the main reason why Oscar Wilde’s only novel was torn apart by the media. When first published, Oscar Wilde found himself facing backlash by the critics, even resulting in him having to edit the novel in order to erase the queer undertones that lied within it. Critics were not quiet, often citing the novel as homoerotic, immoral, and going as far to publish critiques remarking that it, “…will taint every young mind that comes in contact with it.” (The Picture of Dorian Gray) The idea of queer individuals, even in fiction, was hard for society to wrap their minds around, ultimately leading to the erasure and suppression of the novel. It wasn’t until much later that Oscar Wilde was able to publish his book without any edits. Where does that leave us now? In a far more inclusive society, a novel such as The Picture of Dorian Gray can exist in its original form without repercussion from critics. As mentioned earlier, this novel is often read in schools and represented in mainstream popular culture. With that being noted, it is also important to understand that the conversation surrounding the queer undertones in the novel are still the most talked about aspect of the novel, meaning that society is still very much the same. Despite the various other messages to take away from the novel, such as the warnings of greed, vanity, and overindulgence, Dorian Gray’s love life and sexual relationships are still at the forefront of conversations.

References “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” 01 May 2008. Web. 03 Apr. 2021. https://dangerousbooks.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/the-picture-of-dorian-gray/

“Schitt’sCreek”AndItsImpactOnMySexuality_CarterAnstine

(and its impact on my sexuality)

“Schitt’s Creek was really what gave me the courage to do it after five long years of figuring out when I would do it.”

chitt’s Creek, a Canadian comedy created by father and son duo, Eugene and Daniel Levy, gained fame within the United States when the show was added to Netflix last year. This show features a wealthy Rose family who lose everything except for their only remaining asset, which is a small town called Schitt’s Creek. The Rose family end up living in the Rosebud Motel and have to adjust to living in the rundown town that they own. This show has gained a lot of recognition, not only for its dry humor, but also for its compassion, love and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Schitt’s Creek features a pansexual character, David Rose and also a gay character, Patrick Brewer, a resident of Schitt’s Creek. Throughout the series, their relationship and bond as a couple forms. However, the relationship that forms during this series is not your typical gay relationship that is depicted in other shows. The relationship between Patrick and David shows a real and true relationship within the LGBTQ+ community and that is what has stuck out to viewers who may have not been as accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Schitt’sCreek”AndItsImpactOnMySexuality_CarterAnstine

David&Patrick_Schitt’sCreek

Viewers have described this relationship as “a natural relationship full of warmth and love.” TV critics as well have looked at this relationship and share that it shows that these individuals are “facing the same relationship struggles that everyone else is.” In most TV shows, queer characters are always portrayed as having to have to go through struggle and that they will always have to live a tough life. Schitt’s Creek places Patrick and David’s sexual orientation as being the most normal things about them as it is a part of their identity, but not their only personality trait that the characters are given. Their sexual orientation though different from other members of the community is not respected any less or devalued in any way. Schitt’s Creek is a very conservative town and the fact that the more conservative members of the community like Roland Schitt are so

accepting of the relationship gives hope to other individuals who may be able to relate to, like myself. This past fall, I came out to my parents after a while of understanding my sexuality and my identity. Schitt’s Creek was really what gave me the courage to do it after five long years of figuring out when I would do it. My family had watched Schitt’s Creek in the early fall, but I had never seen it because I was busy doing college schoolwork and balancing a very busy schedule. However, after watching the show and realizing how much they enjoyed it, I knew that everything would be ok. I grew up in York, Pennsylvania, a more conservative leaning area, so members of the LGBTQ+ community and liberal values are in the minority. I was raised in the Lutheran church and grew up loving church and going to church camp every summer. I felt that being gay and being so religious would be a conflict of interest, so I suppressed who I was for a long time because I had such a strong faith. When I realized that the Lutheran church is very accepting and loves everyone, I knew that my worries and stress would be alleviated. This was another thing holding me back from defining who I was. Schitt’s Creek for me encompassed all of the thoughts and aspects of my life put into one. Identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in a conservative area and everything working out as it should for all individuals who come out to their families.

References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schitt%27s_Creek

DragCultureThroughTheYears_ChloeAcquaviva

BY CHLOE ACAQUAVIVA rag is an artform that is constantly evolving with today’s values. Nowadays, we are flooded with performers in drag within the media, but that was not always the case. Drag has become more versatile and increased in mainstream pop culture consciousness, but its history can be traced back to theatre. In order to talk about the historical importance of drag, one must first understand what drag really is. By definition, drag can be referred to as a performance of gender expression, ranging from masculine to feminine, to anywhere in between. From within these spaces is where certain types of drag performers emerge.

A drag queen is someone (typically a man) who wears hyper-feminine makeup and/or clothing for entertainment purposes. A drag king is someone (typically a woman) who wears hyper-masculine makeup and/ or clothing for entertainment purposes. A bio queen is a person who is assigned female at birth and takes on the persona of a woman at drag shows, performing like a drag queen. In between these general umbrella terms, there is a plethora of nonbinary and transgender performers who are pioneering new drag frontiers every day. Drag kings, trans, and nonbinary performers have typically been overlooked in the drag world; however, today we are seeing more and more platforms beginning to shine a light on their art.

DragCultureThroughTheYears_ChloeAcquaviva Drag queens were SamuelBarnett primarily the most popular form of drag entertainment, but there are a multitude of other facets that people use to perform in drag. The earliest instances of drag are first recorded in the late nineteenth century. The origins of when drag first began are unclear, but the term was first coined in the late 1800s to refer to male actors who played the roles of women on stage. At this time, women were not allowed to participate in theatre, so it was the job of men to play both masculine and feminine characters for the audience. This notion is apparently abundant in early performances of Shakespeare plays. While this is not necessarily what drag is viewed as today, it “...soon PinkFlamingos became a way for men (often gay men, although plenty of heterosexual men wear drag as well) to express a different side of themselves…” (“The Fabulous History,” 2020). Another instance of this deviation from gender was the use of castrato singers in Operas. A castrato was a male singer who performed music in a mezzo or soprano range, which was achieved through prepubescent castration. Ultimately, the popularity of castrati declined in the eighteenth century, but it was another instance of gender norm bending in the

RuPaul

In 2021, drag queens, kings, and other drag artists appear in popular media such as movies, Broadway stages, and international fashion weeks. Today, there are a total of thirteen seasons of the popular tv show RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show where drag queens battle to become “America’s Next Drag Superstar”. Drag is not only celebrated in the United States, as LandonCider

name of art. Moving on to the twentieth century, where queer culture begins to really pick up speed. Popular media such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Paris Is Burning emerge as staples of LGBTQ+ art. Gender-nonconforming performers such as David Bowie and Prince directly inspired queer performers everywhere at this time. In the 1970’s, ball culture was formed in upper Manhattan and Harlem, supplying LGBTQ+ communities with a safe space to express themselves through performance (Deron, 2018). Then, drag culture slowly begins to unfold into a larger society through the late seventies into the eighties, where drag queens like Divine paved the way, starring in the John Waters’ cult classics Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble. By the 1990’s, the drag circuit became even more mainstream with the newfound fame of RuPaul Charles, a drag queen that can be partially credited to the success of the drag scene we see today.

DragCultureThroughTheYears_ChloeAcquaviva

there are also spin offs of the reality show in the United Kingdom, Holland, Thailand, Australia, and many more. While RuPaul has done a lot to uphold the drag queen community within pop culture, there are others who focus on giving the spotlight to the drag kings, nonbinary, and transgender drag artists. Dragula is a relatively new television show, similar to RuPaul’s Drag Race, where drag artists compete for the title of “Drag Supermonster.” Hosted by the Boulet Brothers, Dragula has done a wonderful job at casting drag artists from any and every background, and just recently crowned the show’s first Drag

King Supermonster, Landon Cider, in its third season. Drag has evolved into a phenomenon so powerful that today, some of the most prolific entertainers are either drag performers themselves, or use their platform to employ, and uplift drag performer’s voices. The rise of drag in popular media is not only important to the LGBTQ+ community, but also to performers, artists, and creative minds around the world who may not fit into the traditional mold of “success.” For that reason, drag will continue to shock and surprise audiences everywhere for years to come.

References Deron, B. (2018, December 15). From Shakespeare to THE Stonewall: The History of Drag through 33 Images. Retrieved March 19, 2021. https://allthatsinteresting.com/history-of-drag-queens The Fabulous History of Drag. (2020, June 11). Retrieved March 19, 2021. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbkmkmn

WhatYouNeedToKnowAboutDrag_MarleyClendenin

The stories you are about to read come directly from the people themselves. Some are drag queens and some kings, but each person has insight into the culture. These next few pages highlight the drag community. TrinityFoxx

How did you get into drag? I started in drag when I met my husband. He needed more performers and with my cheerleading and theatre background I was a great fit. From there, almost seven years later, I haven’t stopped! What does drag mean to you? Drag is a form of expression for me. I love being on stage and putting on a show that makes people happy and forget about the world outside. What is the thing you want people to know about drag? I want people to know that drag is an art form. The amount of time and effort that goes into drag is worth every second when you get to see people smile or make a difference in someone’s life.

WhatYouNeedToKnowAboutDrag_MarleyClendenin

How did you get into drag? I got my start in drag about 5 years ago in Shanghai, China, where I have spent the majority of my life. I started working as a stage manager at a burlesque and cabaret venue and created Dorian T. Fisk, my drag king persona, because the first show I helped stage manage was Shanghai Pride’s ‘Pride’s Got Talent’ and I thought it would be fun to do it in drag. So after that I would work the shows backstage in drag, appearing on stage just occasionally to put out mic stands and pick up costume pieces that performers had stripped off. Then after about six months of that, I put together my first performance for in front of the curtain and thereafter began regularly performing in drag and cabaret shows. In Jan 2019 (in Shanghai) I cofounded a genderfluid drag collective called DKNSTRKT (“deconstruct”) which to date has run many free drag workshops all open to people of any gender and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the local drag scene as well as providing many participants with their debut performance opportunities. We also co-produced China’s biggest ever drag show and released a music video of ‘This Is Me’ to raise the profile of drag tolerance and self-expression in China. Since moving back to the UK, I’ve made my home in Scotland, and now live in Glasgow. During the 2020 lockdown, I pivoted to the digital drag stage and also created Shut Up & King, a platform to connect, grow and diversity the Scottish drag king scene through a program of workshops, mentorship and shows. Through our social media, we spotlight Scotland based drag kings to reach wider audiences and elevate underrepresented drag artists.

What does drag mean to you? It’s everything. It’s my art. I haven’t always had this level of self-awareness and freedom to express myself and so to not only now be living with complete authenticity and also getting to create art through drag performances and drag workshops as a vehicle for greater understanding and acceptance of all genders in society is a privilege and brings a fresh source of meaning and purpose to my life.

Noon

How did you get into drag? Honestly, the very first time I saw or heard of drag was with the popular tv show RuPaul’s Drag Race, I actually started watching it on its 7th season and I became extremely obsessed with the art from, it wasn’t until a few years later that I started doing it myself, What does drag mean to you? Drag to me means being able to express my more feminine side along with allowing me to be very creative and really give myself the opportunity to explore fashion and makeup in a very exaggerated way.

What is the thing you want people to know about drag? In terms of sexual identity, a big misconception is that you have to be gay to do drag and you can only be a drag queen if you are cis male and vice versa and none of that is correct. Anyone can play with whatever interpretation of the gender spectrum that they want to express through drag, and it matters not what genitalia you happen to have or what your sexual orientation is.

What is the thing you want people to know about drag? I want people to know that drag is an art form in which there are no rules or boundaries, anyone can do drag and there really isn’t any limits on what you can do with drag. There’s many different genres of drag and everyone should try it at least once, it’s a silly gay ol’ time but it can also be used in a very powerful way to convey a deep message to the masses.

DorianT.Fisk

How did you get into drag? I was always very curious about seeing the counterpart to queens (Kings) on stage. I didn’t know they existed until I visited San Diego and watched a Drag King perform for the first time. I was so fascinated by it that I told myself I really wanted to try that. Eventually I connected with drag kings in my town and that’s how it all started.

PincheVilla

What does drag mean to you? To me, drag means freedom. You can portray yourself however you want, you can wear whatever you want. You can be anything. There’s no limit to what you can do. It’s very fun. What is the thing you want people to know about drag? My drag is an extension of myself, it helps me feel sexy, masculine, confident, and express other parts of me that I can’t express in my everyday life.

WhatYouNeedToKnowAboutDrag_MarleyClendenin

BloomForever_KellyKrotzer

SammyBuckton entirely different person can allow that level of expression, but it really helps build that confidence or seeing yourself in a new light. What is the thing I want people to know about drag? There is so much I can state here such as drag show etiquette, but I primarily want people to know the importance of supporting your local drag artists and how it’s more than just queens. If you’ve never seen a show, I implore you to go see a show at your local bar at some point. These people are a mixture of makeup and hair artists, stylists, seamstresses, comedians, and performers, all while putting on a show and entertaining the room. It takes a lot of guts to do it and put yourself out on that stage, and there is so much local talent to be seen everywhere in the world. Additionally, there are kings and queens for drag, and every level in between. How did you get into drag? I started getting into drag when I was 16 after being exposed to drag race, which has been insane to see explode into mainstream culture since I started watching it. I remember being fascinated with how people who were criticized for their “flaws” had them celebrated through the art of drag. My partner of 5 years has been doing drag years prior to us being together which has helped pull me closer to the art. The first show I ever went to was when I was 18 and seeing it in person was entirely different than through TV. The entire energy of the room and seeing people have their moment on stage was so powerful, and while I’m not a performer, it really helped push me further into the art of drag as a whole. What does drag mean to you? Drag to me has so many different meanings, but at the core, it is both a form of selfexpression and an art form. I have been blessed to not be made fun of for how feminine I was (and am) growing up, but I know that isn’t the same for everyone. You are able to be truly yourself, or any version of yourself within drag. I always thought it was funny how looking like an

KarmaKills_Sammy’sPartner

Synopsis Wisteria wakes up in another world with no memory of her own. Mistaken as the Vessel of the Goddess of the land, the only way to clear up the misunderstanding is to travel to the Spring of the Goddess, where the truth will be revealed, and she can be sent home. Along the way, Wisteria and the Third Princess and Captain of the Guard Mathilde “Matty”, who escorts Wisteria on this journey, fall in love.

BloomForever_KellyKrotzer

he next day they woke up slowly. Entangled in each other’s arms, neither wanted to let go. Eventually, though, they managed to get up, tidying up their campsite at a snail’s pace. Neither spoke, too afraid of breaking the spell the night before set upon them. Talking would be acknowledging that their time together would soon come to end; either because Wisteria would be returned to her home, or because Wisteria wouldn’t be Wisteria anymore, imbued with the essence of the Goddess and acting as her vessel upon the world. When they got onto their horses to make that last leg of their journey, Matty’s hands lingered where they rested at Wisteria’s waist to help her into the saddle. Then, they were off. At a slow canter, Wisteria spent the entire ride to the Spring drinking in Matty’s profile. Though she wanted to look around her, try to memorize the land, all the beautiful scenery and animals, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Matty. In the end, the land was lovely, but it could never compare to Matty. The royal was all fierce beauty and hard lines from fighting. But she was soft inside, a steadfast caring person who, once she cared about someone or something, she would never let go. It was because of this that Wisteria made her suggestion when they came upon entrance to the Spring. The stone arch was beautifully carved and preserved, very clearly an old monument from a bygone era. The path to the Spring itself was obscured in shadow due the abundance of wisteria trees growing along it, and around the area. There was even wisteria winding around the arche, making the stone a part of the nature around it. Despite it being summer, the wisteria was still blooming and showed no sign of wilting. “Maybe I better go in there alone. There’s no need for you to be there, Matty.” “No.” “No?” asked Wisteria. Secretly she was glad. Matty was fighting for her like she knew the royal would. It was just how she was. On the other hand, Wisteria only felt more sorrow. How could she have done this to Matty, to her love? There was nothing they could do now. “No.” Matty confirmed. She slid down from her mount, and Wisteria followed. As soon as Wisteria’s feet touched the ground, Matty grabbed her hand tight. “We do this together or not at all. And we have to do this, if there is some way of getting you home, where,” Matty paused for a second, then took a deep breath and exhale. “Where you belong.” “No! I can’t bear you seeing me leave or, or change personalities or anything. Don’t I get a say in this? What if I can’t bear to say goodbye?” Wisteria burst out. She didn’t let go of Matty hand but only tightened her grip on it even more. Matty stared at Wisteria. Her free hand came up to cup Wisteria’s cheek, thumb brushing away the wetness at the edge of Wisteria’s eye. “Then don’t. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, flower. But you know, you’ll always be wondering. Thinking about what your past could’ve been. You deserve closure. You deserve family.”

BloomForever_KellyKrotzer Before Wisteria could try to refute that statement in any way (“You’re my family now. The past doesn’t matter in the face of the present. How can I choose the unknown over the known?”), Matty tugged her forward through the gate. The walk down the path was silent. The only sounds were from their feet on the undergrowth and the rustling of the flora around them. Wisteria listened harder and realized it was actually much quieter than she was expecting. There were no birds singing, no bugs buzzing around, no squirrels chattering in the trees. After days on the road, and sleeping in the woods, the silence was unnerving. Soon the path lightened from the shade of the trees and opened into the Spring of the Goddess in all its glory. It was a small clear pool, water gently lapping at the edge. There was a great winged stone statue taller than any human standing opposite of Wisteria and Matty on the other side of the pool. Out of its cupped hands water was pouring down into the spring, creating a small waterfall. They mist of the pouring water created a shimmering, rainbow effect in the area leaving the two women in awe. “It’s beautiful.” Wisteria’s voice was a whisper, unable to go any louder for fear of taking out the magic of the place. “Yeah,” Matty said. “I’ve never seen it before. For so long it was out of our reach and then once it was inside our countries borders once more, only the most devout priests and priestess get sent here to pray. Only the royal family can grant permission to visit.” “So….” Wisteria trailed off, still taking in the scene around her. “So now you get in.” This startled Wisteria out of her stupor. “Like this?” And Wisteria gestured to her current attire, traveling clothes that were marred with dirt after camping and riding for days. “No, there is a specific ceremonial attire…” Matty started rooting through her sack she had been carrying on her back since the beginning of the trip. She pulled out a long white flowy sleeveless dress, with a simple tie at the top that Wisteria assumed would go around her neck to keep the dress up. On it were a smattering of purple shaped blobs, an abstract version of the wisteria flowers surrounding them. Matty handed her the dress and then turned around to give her privacy. Wisteria took it and stared at it for a moment before mechanically taking off her current clothes and putting on the dress. She held the front of the dress up with one hand and tapped Matty on the shoulder with another. When Matty turned around Wisteria also turned to show her back and the string. “Could you?” “Yes,” Matty replied. Her voice was husky in Wisteria’s ear and Wisteria felt Matty’s hands caress her bare shoulders and neck, brushing aside Wisteria’s long hair gently before tying the knot. Wisteria turned around expecting Matty to step away, but she was still right there. Only an inch away from each other, enough to feel each other’s breaths. Eventually, Matty broke eye contact and stepped away. “Now, you can get in.”

BloomForever_KellyKrotzer Wisteria nodded, disappoint probably showing on her face. She had hoped for one last kiss before it all, but perhaps it was best to move forward and not linger what might not be anymore. Even as she thought that though, Wisteria could feel the tears finally build up in her. As she stepped in the pool and made her way before the statue, the tears began to run down her face. It wasn’t graceful at all, the way she cried. Her throat hurt from holding the tears back for so long and her nose was running now as well. The tears began to hit the water, but the sound was covered by the flow of the waterfall. Wisteria closed her eyes against the onslaught of sorrow and prayed. ••• Wisteria woke in the light again. As with before, the light was so bright she didn’t dare open her eyes. I remember this place. YES You, you’re the Goddess? YES You did send me here. YES Is that all you can say? Yes? Why? Why did you send me here? Where are my memories? Who am I? Did you send me here, just for me to fall in love, only to rip me away and back to my own world? NO. YOU WERE DYING IN YOUR WORLD. I COULD SAVE YOU. SO I DID. I HAD NO DEALINGS WITH YOU ONCE YOU ENTERED THIS WORLD. NOT UNTIL NOW. Of course, I’m sorry. My feelings are what they are, and I’m cheapening them by implying you were behind them. YES So, does this mean that I’m not your vessel then? Or am I? YES AND NO. NO YOU ARE NOT MY VESSEL. I AM IMMORTAL AND POWERFUL. I HAVE NO NEED FOR A VESSEL TO WALK ABOUT IN. HOWEVER. I HAVE NEVER SPOKEN TO ANOTHER ANYWHERE THE WAY I HAVE WITH YOU. I HAVE NEVER INTERFERRED WITH THE NATURAL ORDER THINGS BEFORE YOU. PERHAPS YOU ARE MY VESSEL THEN IN THAT SENSE. You’re all powerful. So, you can send me back? YES. DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK THOUGH? YOU WERE DYING BEFORE. IF I SENT YOU BACK YOU WOULD LIVE BUT WHO KNOWS HOW LONG? THERE WAS NO ONE THERE YOU LOVED AT YOUR DEATH BED. YOU WERE ALL ALONE. I SENSED YOU HAD A BIGGER DESTINY IN THIS WORLD. I GAVE YOU A NEW PURPOSE. … LITTLE FLOWER. WHAT YOU HAVE HERE IS UNIQUE. A LOVE SO STRONG THAT EVEN NOW YOU CAN SENSE YOUR BELOVED ON THE EDGE OF YOUR CONCIOUSNESS. … YOUR BELOVED GAVE YOU FAMILY WHERE YOU HAD NONE BEFORE. THIS WORLD GAVE YOU PURPOSE WHERE BEFORE YOU HAD NONE.

BloomForever_KellyKrotzer … YOU ARE FREE. “…Wist…Wisteria!” Wisteria gasped. Her eyes flew open. She touched her face, feeling the dry tracks where her tears had fallen. She shivered and started to move to get out of the suddenly cold water. The night sky over her head showed just how much time had passed since she had closed her eyes. “Wisteria?” Wisteria titled her head up at Matty, who was wearing a cautious expression. One Wisteria hadn’t seen on her since the first time they met. “Matty,” she said, her teeth chattering from the cold. She lifted her arms out at her beloved and watched as Matty’s face bloomed into happiness at the sound of her name. “Wisteria!” Matty hauled her out of the water and wrapped Wisteria in her arms. Their heads knocked together from the quick movement and they both leaned back and laughed because of the action. “I thought,” Matty started and then stopped. “I thought you were gone.” Clearly choked up, Matty couldn’t continue beyond that statement, just continuing to squeeze Wisteria half to death. She buried her face in Wisteria’s neck and cried. “Shh,” Wisteria soothed. “It’s alright. I’m here. I’m not going to leave or get possessed or anything. I’m going to stay here forever; I’m going to stay here with you and your family and in your wonderfully beautiful seaside country.” Matty raised her head. “Really? But I thought...” Wisteria shook her head. “All that worrying for naught. There is nothing in my past, there never was. It was always the present that mattered. Only now we can bask in the present and look to the future.” Matty searched Wisteria’s face again, looking for any lie or bluff. When she didn’t see anything, she laughed and grabbed Wisteria cheeks with her hands, pulling their mouths together. “After today we have forever.”

We’reHereToChangeTheWorld!_ChristianaWadley

This article features two women and how their experiences throughout their lifetimes has been affected by being female and in the community. MarisDewald

MaddieSherbondy

ou are seen, you are heard, and you can make a change,” Maris Dewald tells me in our interview. I asked Maris if she had any advice for younger females in the LGBTQ+ community. This was just one of the many pieces of advice she offered up. Being a woman is already a hard feat, but it can be significantly harder being in the community as well. The world is full of hatred, for gays, blacks, Muslims, hell – even for animals. Hate surrounds us on a daily basis. But Maris is a strong woman who won’t let the hate get to her. Growing up, Maris knew something was different about her, but it wasn’t until she was 16 when she realized that she was gay. At 16, she had found out her aunts were gay, and she came to a realization that she was as well. Maris was already dealing with issues as a female. When she was younger, Maris would constantly play with the boys, but eventually she was told she could no longer play with them because it was a men’s sport. This infuriated Maris (as it should). Being a woman, you’re always facing the “what-ifs.” What if they don’t hire me because I’m a woman? What if they deny my promotion because I’m not “as smart” as my male coworker? Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community also deals with the same thing. Maris faces this in her workplace.

Nobody should have to feel this way. But that’s the unfortunate reality. Even with the large group of allies for the community, there’s still groups of haters. According to Maris, “there are still people out there who don’t understand love is love and it’s sad but true.” Maris is right, unfortunately. But with strong women like herself, we can lead young females in the community to be strong and powerful. Eventually, these young women will change the world, and that’s the most amazing thing. Here’s a final statement from Maris: “to all the young females in the community that are out there. You are seen, you are heard, and you can help make a change. Empowered women empower women so get up and fight for what you believe in. You are valid and don’t let anyone tell you different.” Another woman I interviewed is Maddie Sherbondy. Maddie is bisexual. But Maddie’s story was different than Maris’. Maddie struggled more at home with her family, than she did at school or around others. Maddie said she discovered her sexuality as more of an “opening-up” rather than a realization. She described her thought process to me as, “huh could I be into girls? Let me think about that. Yeah, I guess I could be.”

We’reHereToChangeTheWorld!_ChristianaWadley

Maddie was treated differently as a woman by her own family. She dealt with the stereotypical things, women cook and clean while the men do “manly” things. Well, why can’t the women do the same? I’ve experienced plenty of women in my lifetime who are mechanics, who work in construction, who do these so called “manly” things. On the LGBTQ+ side, Maddie never really felt like she was treated differently. She mentioned, “I went through a phase my first year of college where I thought I was a lesbian, and around then I felt like I was on the outside of all of my college friends because of my sexuality.” Eventually, Maddie figured out she was bisexual, and she felt comfortable within her circle again. At home, Maddie dealt with family issues when she came out. She told me, “the most I’ve been treated differently came from my family – when I came out to my mom, she thought I was going through a phase, and when I was outed to my dad, he wouldn’t talk to me for a week.” This truly affected Maddie’s mental health, and the sad reality is that this happens to many young people in the LGBTQ+ community. Maddie was unfortunately outed to her father, which was very hard on her. This caused her relationship with both her mother and father to change. After coming to college, Maddie has felt much better in her own skin, and more comfortable being who she is. Her experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Her struggles matured her and woke her up to what matters the most to her. I asked Maddie if there was anything she’d like to say to anyone who treated her differently for being LGBTQ+ and a

woman. Here’s what she said, “to my family, specifically my dad: I am still the same person even though I’m a woman who likes women. Nothing has changed about me since coming out. If anything, I’m even more authentic now, and I hope you understand and cherish that! This is a strength, not a weakness, and if you can’t see that then it’s your problem, not mine.” Maddie is such a strong woman for being able to stand up for herself within her family. Maddie’s actions should influence others all throughout the community. If you can safely stand up for yourself, you should do it. Do not let your families or friends tear you down for being who you are. Love yourself and be whomever you want to be. Maddie left some advice, just as Maris did. Maddie wants the young females in the community to know: “Your womanhood and being LGBTQ+ are gorgeous attributes that I hope you love and hold close, because they can be fuel for your future and equipment for self-love.” Maddie and Maris are an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community. We are the start of the changing world. One day, the community will no longer deal with the hatred of the world and everyone will be able to live their lives as they please. Women are here to change the world, but specifically the women in the LGBTQ+ community. These women are strong, powerful, and amazing. I wrote this article, to inspire the young women in the community. I want these women to take care of themselves and love themselves, so that one day they can inspire the future women of the community, just as Maris and Maddie inspired me.

ContentWarning! Poems contain homophobia & offensive language

IAmTold..._CaraWeaver

I Am Told...

by Cara Weaver I am told I will be accepted. That it is “normal” and “everyone is coming out recently”...

As if bisexuality is a trend I decided to join in on, as if I woke up one day and realized that I like girls too, as if there weren’t years of battling homophobia rooted inside myself, defensive over how I dressed, trying to convince everyone, myself, that I was straight. When I was a kid, I liked wearing “boy’s” sneakers and baseball hats Everyone’s favorite joke was that I “dressed like a boy”, funny. Got called queer for just existing, mostly by the man who was supposed to be raising me. I didn’t even know what it meant, just assumed it was something bad. When I got older, I continued wearing hats. But I liked to turn them backward, didn’t think anything of it until “Why do you wear it like a guy?” “You look like a lesbian”

“What are you, a dyke?”

IAmTold..._CaraWeaver Panic. I wasn’t gay so, Why would I want anyone to think I was? Started policing my wardrobe like I had been my crushes, sorted into acceptable and… the ones we don’t talk about. Fought for so long to convince everyone I was straight, I almost didn’t come out They had turned it into a game, made it a matter of them “being right” and “always knowing” My existence was being analyzed every day of my life, Present-day. Out... I guess, to some people I thought it would get easier. But now it’s like I’m being tested, how I act is being graded. A whole new arsenal of problems to deal with, “You’re dressed like a lesbian” turned into “you’re bi but you’ve never been with a girl?” “Dyke” turned into “So, you’d have a threesome?” Guy friend’s jokes about how they wouldn’t date bi girls turned into awkward silence Stuck in the middle: not fully gay, not fully straight. “Can’t make up my mind” “More likely to cheat” “Will never understand what it’s like to be gay” “Doing it for attention” I am told I will be accepted, That it is “normal” and “everyone is coming out recently” I guess they don’t realize how homophobia hides behind kind eyes.

WhatIf?_CaraWeaver

What If?

by Cara Weaver

When I say I don’t know if I would hold her hand in public, my heart becomes heavy, my face flushes red and my mind lists reasons why I am the worst When I tell you that I don’t know if I would hold her hand in public, it has nothing to do with my love for her If my love for her was the only factor, we’d be connected in every space and it still wouldn’t be enough to show that I spend my days thinking about how she always looks more beautiful than the day before, how she lives her life fearless and, crinkles her nose when she laughs but love isn’t the only factor. I’ve spent my life lying, staying on the straight path outlined for me, following the crowd, never really reading the signs, or asking for directions, turns out there was always a fork in the road. I’ve never dealt with stares, full of disgust and aimed at the idea of people like us being together... happy... aimed at us for existing the way that we do I’ve never had to check my surroundings before kissing anyone’s cheek, it always belonged to someone I was allowed to love I don’t know how to explain that I am worried terrified What if someone shouts at us? “Dykes!” What if I’m too shocked to yell back? She deserves all the protection in the world but, what if I can’t give it to her? what if I’m not enough?

AnOdeToGirls_CaraWeaver

Paranormativity_BriannaBrennan&EmCurtis

by Cara Weaver To girls everywhere, Thank you for existing the way that you do, smelling like fall and tucking your hands into your hoodie sleeves, putting your hair into a ponytail or leaving it down Thank you for giggling when no one else is laughing and for going wide-eyed when you see a puppy in public. To girls everywhere, Thank you for having kind hearts. for holding the door open for everyone, and saying “you’re welcome” to each person, having warm hands when you hold mine, smiling in ways that put the sun to shame Thank you for hugging like it is the last one you’ll ever give, even when it’s someone you see every day. To girls everywhere, Thank you for normalizing not being perfect for speaking your mind even when it’s hard, listening to everyone as if they are your best friend, taking the time to check on people, I know they don’t always tell you they appreciate it Thank you for admitting when you need help and being brave even when you think you can’t. To girls everywhere, Thank you for still sleeping with stuffed animals. for having that tired voice when you wake up, decorating water bottles with stickers, I know you spent hours picking them out Thank you for looking gorgeous when you talk about your passions, and wearing oversized hoodies with shorts. To girls everywhere, Thank you for showing me that my heart is open to everyone.

Paranormativity_BriannaBrennan&EmCurtis

Asexuals&Allies_MorganErnst

Questions 1. The sexual practice of abstinence occurs because of a bad past relationship/experience 2. Asexual people can fall in love 3. Asexual people do not find pleasure from or crave sex 4. Asexuality is a form of sexual repression, aversion or dysfunction 5. Asexuality is a hormone imbalance that makes people not have a sex drive 6. Asexual people can experience arousal and orgasm 7. Asexual people can choose to masturbate and find pleasure from it 8. Many cannot find a partner, so they just identify as asexual 9. Asexual people has a fear of intimacy 10. Asexual people can have a spouse and or children 11. Sexuality is a spectrum 12. Romantic attraction is desiring a romantic relationship with someone 13. Aesthetic attraction is the desire of being in a relationship for the aesthetic 14. Sensual of physical attraction is wanting to touch, hold, etc. someone 15. Asexual people can have sensual and physical attraction towards someone 16. Platonic attraction is sampling wanting to be friends with another 17. Emotional attraction is wanting an emotional connection with someone 18. Asexual people cannot experience emotional attraction

Directions The game is simple. You must answer true or false questions. If you get the question correct you move forward If your answer was incorrect, you move back one space. If you answer incorrectly on the white square labeled with a star, return to the previous gray square. Beat your competitors and become the first to finish to win the game!

Asexuals&Allies_MorganErnst

Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

False True False False False True

7. True 8. False 9. False 10. True 11. True 12. True

13. False 14. True 15. True 16. True 17. True 18. False