This Pride month we’re celebrating the beauty of self-expression and human connection with eight 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.
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Amy Bloom
Dirty Butter
Iris had never danced with another girl, except to practice.
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Jackie Thomas-Kennedy
Kiss
“I’ll be gone by the time they get here.” I kiss her hand.
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Kyo Lee
Why I Have Decided to Live
2024 High School Writing Contest Winner
Her hands & the way they cradle my heart. -
Richard Rodriguez
American Paradoxes
I was taught to trust my independence and my individuality.
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Benjamin Alire Sáenz
What You Get
There’s nothing like a flood in the desert.
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Rebecca Seiferle
Wild Tongue
We’re not all lesbians at this bar and grill (not yet).
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Danez Smith
Seroconversion
Two boys are in bed & neither knows the other’s name.
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Ocean Vuong
No One Knows the Way to Heaven
2015 Narrative Prize Winner
Why are my hands always empty when touching those I love?