Field Notes

Why is it then that the first time I heard the term “writer of color” (WoC), I didn’t automatically apply this category to myself? Is it because my mother’s side of the family, while possessing their own treasure trove of stories, are as white as Wonder Bread? Or because the un poquito Spanish I can stammer my way through is what I remember from college rather than my childhood home?

You run away. You could turn and stay.
I choose to stay. I can’t give up and won’t because I hear this song and the sounds crash over me like the words did when I first wrote them.

Rituals & Words to Honor the Dead

It is hard to know if, should my love be requited in the way I want, I will lose my jealous streak. If you are reading this and it is bound into a book or published under some sober masthead, then maybe I have my answer.

Reads that keep you swimming!

In Porter House Review’s mission statement, we write that “we seek unique perspectives from both established, award-winning authors, as well as emerging and underrepresented voices from around the world.” While representing voices from historically marginalized communities has been a broad goal for the journal, the editors at PHR decided to take the next steps: public accountability for the race and gender makeup of our contributors, and concrete, measurable goals to improve the diversity of voices in the journal.

Sadly, I think my biggest fear had something to do with stigma.  I still did not completely trust myself or my own experience because I’ve lived with a diagnosis, labels, and generalized hurt for so long.

All the sacrifices he had made to earn invitations to reputable artist colonies abroad, only to be rejected by a consular officer with glee. Nkiacha took the embassies’ collective declaration of his unfitness for travel as a writer and poured all his resilience into it.