This society has a mix of people. Some of them support trans youth, while some don’t
Some care, some don’t
The people who try to get trans children and adults killed are called transphobes.
Now there are others who are transphobic while still not wanting them killed, but still.
I sometimes, if not most of the time, feel insecure about being who I am.
My head almost always runs with thoughts that I’m not good enough because I am the way I am.
I’ve considered being a girl again because of the guilt I have.
But my heart wouldn’t be able to take it.
“You’re not a boy! Stop with this stupid act, Alex!”
“You will NEVER be able to achieve your dream of looking like a cis boy.”
“NONE of your friends see you as a ‘real boy,’ because you are NOT one in the first place! Stop with this! You are NOT valid!”
This is how it is most of the time. And it’s how some transphobes sound. It breaks me. It breaks my heart that some of them think and/or sound this way.
So I want the next president to provide three things for trans folks out there:
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.

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