prompts & poetry

This is probably not comforting, but it is true, and it helps me when I feel hopeless: For every revolution there is a counter revolution, for every step forward there is a step back, that things may not be good forever but they will not be bad, either. That we clawed our way to get where we are and we can claw our way forward from here, too. Talk to your queer elders, the ones who have been here before and will be here again and who threw bricks at Stonewall.

When I was a child, if you got AIDS it was a death sentence. Now it isn't. Now you live on.

U.S. suicide hotline: call or text 988 (available 24 hours)

U.S. trans lifeline: (877) 565-8860 (when you call, you’ll speak to a trans/nonbinary peer operator. full anonymity and confidentiality)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – provides 24/7 confidential support and referrals for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use disorders, including panic attacks and anxiety.

LGBT National Help Center: (888) 843-4564

Trevor Project: Call (866) 488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online.

water!! or a pretty drink to keep you motivated as you work

a comfy blanket or stuffed animal to keep you company

shoes, for when you go outside and touch grass after realizing it's been three days and you have 500 words

a nice-smelling candle, unless you're prone to leaving them to explode in the other room

(technically 4b) a fire extinguisher

snacks for energy and because you deserve them!

a book, for when you run into a writing slump and need inspiration

a movie, for the same reasons as above but maybe you're a little bit lazier (it's okay)

a pillow for naps to give you energy

a change of clothes because maybe you write better not in pjs

treats for when you accomplish something you're proud of (that can be as simple as just starting)

a trash bag for your red pens, because this is writing season and not editing season

headphones and good music

I want to love you.

I think I can love you?

Let me love you.

I loved you.

I would love you.

I can try to love you.

I used to know how to love you (I don't anymore)

I still love you.

Do you love me?

Can you try to love me?

I can't stop loving you.

Let me try to love you.

I think I can love you.

I think I can try (to love you).

Do you still love me?

Did you ever love me?

I don't think I could ever love you.

Don't let me love you.

I gave up (loving you).

You made me love you.