#mod gary

ten., hole? i love golf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(2/2, thank you so much!!!) I don’t want to say it’s a pen name/fake name, because then they’ll say I need to change my last name too. Basically, I want to make my portfolio and my writing be under my chosen name, but I don’t want to put myself in a position where I could be outed. Any advice? Thank you so, so much✨

Hey there darling! Idunno your entire situation but whether you feel more comfortable being closeted because you just don’t wanna come out yet or whether it is because coming out may put you at risk for an unsafe environment (at home, school, etc)- using your chosen name in your portfolio will not make it an obligation to come out to anyone AT ALL! I think using your chosen name would best not only for your comfort as an author but also if you plan on legally changing your name in the future! Having your work published or looked back at under your birth name may be a little unsettling especially in the future if you do choose to come out and/or legally change your name. 

I don’t think using your chosen name should be an issue, even if others see it as a “pen name” for the meantime. If people say you have to change your last name too, then screw em! Are they publishing the work? No! Are they the ones in charge of what an author goes by? No! There is no rule saying you must change your first and last name in order to use a different name! Pfft, that’s silly. If anyone asks you why you keep your last name, just say “it makes me feel comfortable”. It is your name. Your writing. Your portfolio. Write under whatever name makes you feel most comfortable in the end of the day sweetpea! I pinky promise your chosen name will not out you. Let them believe it’s a “pen name” if it makes you feel more comfy and then come out when you’re away from home so that everyone knows the truth! I’ve also dealt with the difficulties that come with having a chosen and birth name, so if you have any more concerns and want to talk privately to me or any of our other mods, don’t be afraid to come off anon! We love you so so much kiddo! You’re so brave for asking for advice and I hope your future as an author is bright! Hope this was helpful!

Wishing you the best, 

welcome guys