Where the Rainbow Bridge Begins: A Poetry Anthology

By Future Forward Publishing

"Where the Rainbow Bridge Ends" is a poetry anthology written by and for the LGBTQ+ community. This groundbreaking collection of poems explores the many facets of queer identity, from love and heartbreak to struggle and triumph. With its powerful words and raw emotion, this anthology promises to leave a lasting impact on all who read it.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Future Forward Publishing
• Release date: Apr 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889921509

Book preview

Where the Rainbow Bridge Begins

Where the Rainbow Bridge Begins

Where the Rainbow Bridge Begins

A Poetry Anthology

Future Forward Publishing

Future Forward Publishing

Copyright © 2023 by Future Forward Publishing

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13 979-8-88992-148-6

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023906179

First Printing Edition, 2023

Printed By:

Ingram Spark

Printed in La Vergne, TN

United States of America

www.futurefwdbooks.net

DEDICATED TO

the brave and brilliant voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, whose words carry the weight of experience and truth. 

Your stories and struggles have inspired us all, and we are honored to share your poetry with the world.

FOREWORD

Welcome to this anthology of poetry, the first of many to come, crafted by the creative voices of LGBTQ youth and young adults. This collection is a tribute to the beauty and resilience of this community, and a celebration of their diversity in identity, experiences, and perspectives.

We made a conscious decision to keep all submissions anonymous, as we recognize the importance of providing a safe space for LGBTQ individuals to express themselves freely and openly. We wanted to remove any potential barriers that could hinder their ability to share their thoughts and emotions, whether it be judgment, pressure, or fear of retribution. In doing so, we hope that each poem in this anthology represents the voice of someone within the LGBTQ community, and that readers can find a personal connection to these words.

It is our belief that this collection will not only serve as a literary masterpiece, but also a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or alone. We hope that these poems will inspire, uplift, and empower, and that they will become a source of comfort and inspiration for generations of LGBTQ individuals to come.

To all those who have contributed to this labor of love, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your words are a testament to the power of self-expression and the beauty of the human experience. We know that they will speak to and for so many, and we are honored to share them with the world.

With love and pride,

The Editors

INTRODUCTION

Navigating the Path Forward

The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in terms of social acceptance and legal protections in recent years, but there are still many challenges, issues, and struggles facing this diverse community today. In this chapter, we will explore some of the key challenges facing the community, including discrimination, violence, healthcare disparities, and mental health issues.

Discrimination

One of the most significant challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community today is discrimination. Despite some progress in recent years, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals remains widespread. According to a report by the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one in five transgender individuals have experienced discrimination when seeking housing, and one in 10 have been evicted from their homes because of their gender identity.

Similarly, discrimination in the workplace remains a significant issue for LGBTQIA+ individuals. According to a survey by the Human Rights Campaign, nearly half of LGBTQIA+ employees are not out at work, and one in five have experienced discrimination on the job because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Violence

Violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals is also a significant issue. According to the FBI's most recent hate crime statistics, 16.7% of all hate crime victims in 2020 were targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This violence can take many forms, including physical assault, verbal harassment, and bullying.

Transgender individuals, in particular, are at a heightened risk of violence. According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least