Letters from a Lesbian November 2014
On our roles and work for social change
Dear World,
I am a firm believer in doing work for the greater good. I know that each little positive action we take creates a beautiful ripple of happiness in the world. I believe that I can create good with anything and everything that I do… including my writing.
My newest book has just been released. I try to keep my writing ventures separate, but in reality, they all have the same goal. Whether it’s fiction, fact, or editorial, all I want to do is to create positive social change.
That’s not too much to ask, is it? I don’t think so.
Realistically, I don’t need to have a massive following of readers. If each piece reaches one person, then I have already spread love, acceptance and equality to a world that is far bigger than my own.
We need to perpetuate kindness, understanding, and compassion. I use my various writing platforms to help create awareness. If we create a national – or better yet, international – awareness, we are more likely to encounter open minds, and positive forward movement.
My books contain people of all colors and ethnicities. I write about bisexuals, lesbians, gay men, and even members of the trans community. My characters are real people experiencing real situations. The emotions are palpable. The stories are universal. The greatest compliment I have ever received was, “I don’t feel like I’m reading LGBT fiction. They’re just people. The emotions are universal”. That’s the point.
I don’t want people to notice the ethnicities or orientations of the characters. I write so that readers will relate, and start to see all people as…people. My goal is to break down barriers and stereotypes.
As Latinos and LGBTs, we need to be seen and understood. We need to be accepted. We have so many blockades and obstacles that we face. I do what I do in order to help us get past those blockades and obstacles. I do my part to try to help our social acceptance. If we all do our part, our society will realize that we are all human.
Live life in your own special way,
Lauren
