Pop Culture
Finding My Ruling Identity
The television screen is dark, with the outline of a performer standing on stage emitting through. Amongst the quiet cheers, popping sporadically, the iconic organ chord pours out of the speakers. “Dearly beloved,” the opening two words of the song greet the audience. They respond with a frenzied cheer. He goes through the whole speech talking about how life and crazy and the afterworld. One minute later, after instructing us to “punch a higher floor,” he dives into a guitar riff accompanied by the synthesized sounds of an electric keyboard. Purple lights flood the stage. He is majestic. Purple jacket, white laced bloused and high heels. Though the beat it rhythmic, I reach for the remote and quickly change the channel.
By Iris Harrisabout a year ago in Pride
Thank You, Sailor Moon. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
When Sailor Uranus, a tall, cute blonde girl who wore suits and drove fast cars like a badass, strut onto my television screen for the first time, twelve-year-old me immediately had a new favorite Sailor Moon character.
By angela hepworthabout a year ago in Pride
To All The Canadian Lesbian Vampires
I´ve struggled my whole life to fit my little puzzle piece into the grand scheme of things. Belonging was a half-hazardly-hatched dream that often led to more frustration than anything really concrete. It´s not that I didn´t have friends, but they were spread out. It´s not that I didn´t have family, they were just on the other side of the world.
By Oneg In The Arcticabout a year ago in Pride
The Power of Representation
In honor of National Coming Out Day, I’m reminded of the power of representation in shaping our understanding and empathy toward the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-queer creator and ally, I’ve come to realize how vital it is to see diverse, authentic depictions of queer lives in media, pop culture, and literature. Representation acts as a mirror of view, allowing individuals to see themselves clearly, and for allies, it serves as a window into experiences we may not personally share, but can deeply resonate and relate with.
By Victor Obanor Osagie about a year ago in Pride
A Journey into the LGBTQ+ Experience
As a non-LGBTQ+ creator and ally, my journey toward understanding the complexities of the LGBTQ+ experience has been shaped significantly by moments of genuine queer representation. One of the most impactful experiences was watching the television series Pose. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City's ballroom culture during the 1980s and 90s, the show features a predominantly transgender and queer cast that portrays the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of its characters with remarkable authenticity.
By Oluwafemi Fred-Ahmaduabout a year ago in Pride
Headcanons
I've been writing fanfiction for a long time. As I mentioned in my other Representation entry, I didn't grow up seeing myself represented in Media. On the rare occasion that I did see Autism, or Asexuality, represented, it was usually as a caricature, or the punchline of a joke, or a problem to be solved. Other times, as diversity became a popular thing to include, it would be shown as an excuse for poor behaviour, or, more rarely, as Inspirational(TM), to make a character more impressive for having already overcome their hurdles due to their Special Interest being seen as valuable, like Rain Man or The Good Doctor.
By Natasja Roseabout a year ago in Pride
