T.E.N.

 

T.E.N.

T.E.N. (he/they) is a proud Filipino and Chinese-American trans guy who was born and raised in the DMV. “Time Spent with You is Never Wasted” and “‘A Really Good Ally’” are their first published pieces. Outside of writing, he is involved in queer advocacy and Filipino youth organizing and enjoys riding his bike, playing trumpet, and cooking. He hopes to pursue a career in public health, specifically in community health promotion with queer and Asian American Pacific Islander populations. They hope readers find this book healing and want them to know that queer love, whether it be platonic, romantic, or familial, is not only possible, it’s inherently powerful.

 
The Light Looks Like Me

By the young writers of Shout Mouse Press

“…a balm for loneliness and validation amid an increasingly hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ Americans…” Booklife

“The Light Looks Like Me is meaningful, moving, and often surprising as it explores different experiences of queer love.”—IndieReader

“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

 

Recognition