These are some suggested writing topics to “get the juices flowing” on writing ideas. Your particular story can cover many of these, but we’ve found that focusing on a particular event leads to a more effective, and powerful story. Feel free to deviate from the suggested questions – we just want to make sure you don’t have to start empty handed. Looking forward to reading your story!
Thanks,
Team A Gay Tale
Your First Time: Years of your life are devoted to preparing for, at most, a couple hours, and at least, a matter of seconds. It’s awkward, it’s thrilling, it’s a letdown, it’s embarrassing – it’s your first time. What happened during your first time, and how would you change it if you could do it all over again?
Religion: Many religions and homo/bi/alt-sexuality have a complicated relationship, from family acceptance to personal spirituality. How has religion shaped the person you are today, and what’s the most notable interaction you’ve had with a person of faith?
Dad: Without him, you wouldn’t exist. He may not even know that you do. Or he may be your role model. What memory of your dad stands out the most, and which of his traits do you carry over into your own personality?
Mom: She gave you life. Or maybe she gave you away. She’s the first human you connected with. What memory of your mom stands out the most, and which of her traits do you carry over into your own personality?
Middle School: It’s the one to three years where you grow for a lifetime. Guys and girls aren’t the same anymore, fueled by a potent cocktail of hormones. What was the most difficult moment of your middle school experience, and what was your main concern at that age?
High school: Is it a fresh start from middle school, or four more years of hell? High school can be an unkind place for the young LGBTQ, or it can be a blossoming. What was the most memorable aspect of your high school experience, and what would you tell your high school self about what you know now?
Siblings: They’re more genetically-identical to you than your parents. You could spend a life in perpetual battle with them, or they can be your partners in crime. Or maybe you wonder what it’s like to have one. In what ways are you similar to your siblings, and how have they shaped you as an individual today?
Bullying: According a recent study, 9 out of 10 LGBTQ students report being bullied in the past year because of their sexual orientation. What are some of the things a bully has said to you, and how did you handle the situation?
Breakups: When you get into a relationship, the last thing you think of is how it ends. Two people can slowly grow apart…or it can end in fireworks. Describe the events that led to your most recent breakup, and explain how it changed the person you are today.
Body Image: Those Men’s Wearhouse commercials that say “you’ll like the way you look…I guarantee it” make it seem so easy. It’s easy to not like the way you look…and go to extremes to make it happen. At what point in your young life do you feel you had the lowest body image, and how has your body image, positive or negative, affected your ability to be in a relationship?
Being nerdy: Being a nerd is kind of a curse–you’re smarter than your peers and made fun of until you get into the real world. Nerds are being accepted more than ever, but some nerds are turning into the jocks they used to hate. What is your personal experience with being accepted as a “nerd” in the gay community, and how would you describe your passion for things you’re “nerdy” about?
Material goods: You really can’t live with them, but if you center your life around them, you’ll have a life unfulfilled. What are three material items in your life you couldn’t do without, and how would you have to change you life if you couldn’t have one of those things?
Music: Music is something very personal as far as taste, but is an aspect of our identity that we seem programmed to share with others. What song or album do you feel has helped you through difficult parts of your life, and what particular aspects of it have made it have such a powerful effect?
Loss: Dealing with loss is different for every individual. But what’s inescapable is that there will be pain, and that it won’t be easy. What was a recent situation where you felt a loss, and what strategies did you use to pull yourself out of feeling that way?
Meeting new people: Meeting new people can bring about anxiety for the young LGBTQ. What do I say about myself? How much is too much? Or if you’re closeted, “can they tell?” Describe your most awkward encounter meeting someone new, and describe a situation where you met someone that actually surprised you.
Athletics: Playing sports is always a great way to feel accepted and “part of the group” growing up. But being gay and a part of athletic programs can be a challenge with un-accepting teammates. How has your identity affected your athletic career, and how did you choose to embrace or not embrace the stereotypical notions of a “jock”?