This Pride month we’re celebrating the beauty of self-expression and human connection with six pieces that champion the loves and lives of the LGBTQ+ community. In his poem “No One Knows the Way to Heaven,” Ocean Vuong writes, “When you get here, I’ll tell you everything.” We can’t think of a better invitation to read these stunning works.
Amy Bloom
Dirty Butter
Iris had never danced with another girl, except to practice.
Richard Rodriguez
American Paradoxes
I was taught as an American to trust my independence and my individuality.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
What You Get
There’s nothing like a flood in the desert.
Rebecca Seiferle
Wild Tongue
We’re not all lesbians at this bar and grill (not yet).
Danez Smith
Seroconversion
Two boys are in bed on a Tuesday afternoon & neither knows the other’s name.
Jackie Thomas-Kennedy
Kiss
‘I’ll be gone by the time they get here.’ I kiss her hand.
Ocean Vuong
No One Knows the Way to Heaven
2015 Narrative Prize Winner
2019 MacArthur Fellow
