Lauryn
Lauryn
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Lauryn (they/them) is a 20-year-old Musical Theatre student. “Love Like Kindergarten” and “to the blue-eyed boy from across the way” are their first published pieces. When not writing, they spend time performing onstage, teaching theatre, and advocating for the queer community through CASCADE. Lauryn would like to thank their blue-eyed boy for showing them the sweetest love they’ve ever known and hopes readers learn to find the beauty in the smallest acts of love.
By the young writers of Shout Mouse Press
“…a balm for loneliness and validation amid an increasingly hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ Americans…” —Booklife
“Powerful, affirming, and important reading for young people and the adults in their lives.”—Kirkus Reviews
Amidst an increasingly fraught regime where assaults on queer and trans rights are leveraged for conservative political clout, the voices of queer youth are more important than ever. In this anthology, 28 DC-area writers aged 13-24 share their thoughts, feelings and vulnerability through poems, stories, comics, and art exploring love in all its forms. Running the gamut from self-love, to romance, and the love they show to their family, friends, and community, their work will resonate with readers of all ages. With authors representing varied sexualities and gender identities, as well as diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, this tender anthology offers hope and validation to queer young people and cultivates greater understanding in supportive allies. Foreword by award-winning YA author Malinda Lo.
This project was created in partnership with The DC Center for the LGBT Community, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, SMYAL, and Split This Rock.
ISBN: 9781950807833
Age: 12+
Page Count: 192
Published: 2025
