4 Ways on How Creative Writing Empowers the Queer Youth

Writing is a form of release as much as it is an art. It allows you to view the world differently and see perspectives you’ve never thought about before. Moreover, it has the power to make you feel seen. 

However, not everyone has a fairytale or a happy ending. For some, it takes enormous efforts to find stories or narratives that match their struggles and identity—especially those from marginalized groups. 

But why seek when you can write it by yourself?

From Stonewall to one pride march after another, the queer community came a long way to redefine gender roles. These movements paved the path for LGBTQ+ individuals to make a name for themselves—not only as people but as artists too.  In this time and age where modern media empowers proper queer representation, think about those who just need a little push to accept themselves. There are also kids looking for a character they can see themselves in; or parents who only want to understand their children. Through writing, you can be that one voice that tells them, “they can.”

At the same time, writing also helps you process your emotions and know yourself better. Cultivating your passion for words is more than just a chance to tell your story. There are many ways it empowers the queer community, especially the youth—and here are some of them!

Accurate representation from real stories.  

For so long, LGBTQ+ protagonists have been underrepresented in all forms of media, even in literature. Traditional publishers call it too niche for people to like. It highlights the importance of training more non-binary writers who can navigate the complexity of experiences inside the community. 

More than the gender identity are queer stories that deserve to be read and seen. Beyond rainbow flags and colorful marches, stories like these could open the mind of more people to the rage that constitutes the community's cry for equality and freedom. Once materials like these are published and made available in the mainstream, the queer narrative can gradually become a part of contemporary works of literature. 

And there are no better people to write about them than actual members of the queer community. You know what it feels like to live as a non-binary while facing the struggles and injustices you face every day. After all, only through the pens of LGBTQ+ artists can representation and inclusivity be achieved. 

Literature paves the way for understanding.

In the era of information overflow, stories about the struggle of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to be written—now, more than ever. 

By publishing highly relevant prompts and essays about queer challenges, successes, and relationships, information about the community can reach more people. It can generate more discussions and inform people about the realities of the life behind those acronyms. 

From information comes understanding. It's hard to translate your whole identity through your entire life. But creative writing can do that for you. As the gender spectrum continues evolving, testimonials, write ups, novels, and essays retelling your life stories and history can make it easier for people to know you better. 

Heal through writing.

 It is hard to pursue art if you do not have a healthy support system close to you. But what more if you are a part of the marginalized sector? Sometimes, if you are a non-binary creative, there’s this constant need to prove yourself to the world—including your art.  

Creative writing can help you overcome the need for that validation by giving you an outlet for releasing your emotions. It can also be a way to express that internal monologue or storyline that has been in your head for quite some time already. 

In writing, it’s only your thoughts and you. Remember: you do not have to perfect it the first time (nor the nth time!) around. It is a continuous process of self-exploration where there is no judgment, no eyes picking on the deviation of your character to the perceived normal. 

If you’ve built enough passion to choose this artistic journey, there are creative writing courses that can turn your drabbles into scripts, essays, poems, even screenplays! Who knows, someone might pick it up, and it might be just what they need? 

More opportunities for queer creatives.

Growing up with close to no accurate representation of the community, nonbinary people have started to rise to the challenge and explore different platforms of art and media. There are just so many stories to tell. But not enough safe spaces to let them in. 

Good thing that publisher clubs are offering extensive support to ensure that queer artists, old and new, have a starting point in their creative journey. 

Every initiative built to make LGBTQ+ art accessible for everyone has helped establish a safe space and network for the community. From small presses, artist collectives, organizations, and even big publishers—everyone joins hand-in-hand to push for the inclusivity that the queer community deserves. Whether it is in the literary sector or other platforms of art, there is no doubt that in this time and age, nonbinary people can and should take up space. 

The Takeaway: Celebrate your queer stories through creative writing.

The literary history of the LGBTQ+ community has fought a long fight. Despite the many laws passed to acknowledge their rights, the struggles of being queer did not stop; they just evolved. 

With more and more queer creatives raising their pen and writing their histories, the world of publishing and mainstream media should be more than ready to anticipate write ups and publications from LGBTQ+ contemporaries. This is thanks to the people who continue to foster young, non-binary creatives—then up to now. 

To learn how to tell a good story is a step closer to making a better future for the creative spaces of LGBTQ+ artists, where their stories are celebrated, and their struggles are acknowledged.

A future where inclusivity is achieved, one story at a time.