As a newsmagazine, OutWrite aims to empower the LGBTQ+ community at UCLA and beyond by celebrating intersectional experiences, looking critically at complex inequities faced by our communities, and providing positive LGBTQ+ representation. Lately, our staff has been reflecting on why we all individually joined OutWrite. We think it’s important to…
“Queer,” or “LGBT?”
Graphic by Liana Kindler The increasingly popular use of “queer” has become an area of contention in many LGBT communities. On one hand, “queer” has a historically negative connotation, carrying with it the weight of both collective and personal marginalization…
Asian American “Apathy”
With the intensification of the Black Lives Matter movement across the U.S., I often find conflicting views of where exactly Asian Americans fit into conversations about social justice. Those outside of our community often criticize us for being apathetic. Within…
On Acceptance, Comfort, and Pride: A Reflection on LGBTQ Week at UCLA
It’s hard for me to say the word “proud” when it comes to my sexuality. I’ve always been impressed by people who seem to unapologetically embrace their LGBTQ identities. At the same time, I’m acutely aware that I’m still far…
No, I’m Not Interested in a Threesome: The Tinder Types
For months, my friends had insisted that I make a Tinder account. And for months, I kept up a strong, noble resistance. I have nothing against Tinder or anybody who uses it, but personally, I could never get used to…
The Decision to Come Out
After the first time I came out to a friend, I struggled a lot with deciding whether, when, and how to tell people about my sexuality. Like a lot of people, I was hesitant for many reasons, which mainly boil…
The Reality of My Home
When I came out to my brother, he couldn’t understand why I seemed so scared to tell him. To him, it was clear-cut: if I was gay, then that was that, and how could I be any less than perfectly…