Lily's identity as a Chinese American lesbian brings multiple dimensions to her experiences. The book follows her journey through navigating her identity, both as a Chinese American and as a young lesbian woman. The entire book is rich in themes of self-discovery, identity formation, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals.

Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian-Biafran War, "Under the Udala Trees" incorporates elements of political unrest and conflict. We get to experience how the war affects the characters' lives and shapes their journeys through life.

Meet Mia Charnelle, one of Q26’s 2023 Photography Workshop Leaders! Covering: Introductory Photography and Product Photography

The Q26 has put together an extensive list of films and TV series written by and/or featuring QTBIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters or themes. These films and TV series will sink into your skin and make a home there. It’ll pull at your heartstrings and make you FEEL in a way that lingers.

If the advent of my queerness and I were in a relationship, the status would squarely be that “it’s complicated.” The non-conformist in me quite frankly feels a bit square even when I say I have a coming out tale to tell. But, when in a capitalist, patriarchal hell, do as the other hellions do…

There has been an obvious lack of female presenting characters in tv and film. The problem is although more exist on our screens; they have become so superficial, so un-relatable that the women no longer feel like real women.

That place is stained with memories of you and I love it, but it hurts. I  sit here at a bar in the middle of the night across from the coffee shop by  the train tracks with friends, their conversation starting to pull me back.

Many years ago, when I could no longer keep in what I needed to say, I came out to my grandma. After she hugged me, one of the first things she said was, “Tu tía Maira Luisa también es como tú.”

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach has recently become a sponsor for The Filmmakers Club. The Queer 26 established this program to help up-and-coming artists gain experience in the filmmaking industry. 

“Art comes in many different forms and shapes. Art can help all of us to deal with the difficulties in our lives,” said Carlos Torres, The Center’s Executive Director.