Laura Carpenter, a seasoned social activist and writer, leverages their platform on LAURACARPENTER.GAY to amplify their advocacy through the written word. With a rich career spanning decades, Laura's portfolio encompasses freelance articles, poetry, and impactful publications.
In an exclusive interview, we engaged with Laura, whose insightful works have graced esteemed platforms like The New York Times, The Guardian, Anchorage Daily News, and Anchorage Press. We delved into Laura's motivations for their writing pursuits and their deliberate choice of a .gay domain.
Embracing Identity and Change
Laura Carpenter's journey as a queer, nonbinary writer and activist reflects a lifelong process of self-discovery and advocacy. Coming out in a college environment that felt safer than their high school years, Laura describes their ongoing exploration of identity with anticipation: "What will I discover about myself in the next 20 years? I can’t wait!" Their story highlights the continuous evolution of self-understanding and the courage it takes to live authentically.
A March for Rights and Recognition
Reflecting on their 2017 blog post "Why I march: Vulva la resistance!", Laura acknowledges the challenging landscape that still necessitates activism. Despite setbacks like the loss of national abortion rights and the rise of anti-trans laws, their resolve remains strong.
"It’s hard reading that post,” Laura shares. “Seven years later, and we still need to march. To the post, to myself, I say keep marching. For ceasefire. For peace. For justice."
Laura continued on to emphasize the ongoing need for activism through marching, writing, and engaging in democratic processes.
“I shouldn’t have to march to convince people that 30,000 deaths are too many, that children should have access to food. And yet here we are. When not marching, we have pens and election ballots and conversations with family and friends. I’m not always brave enough to be the activist I want to be, but I keep “activist” on my website as a north star, to remind me to work for collective liberation.”
Addressing Today’s Crucial Issues
When asked about the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, Laura points to racism, apathy, and organized political campaigns against LGBTQIA+ rights. Laura also emphasizes the role of allies in sustaining the fight for justice, especially when community members need to rest from the exhausting battles for existence.
“Allies can sometimes have the energy to keep standing up for justice when we need to rest, because fighting for our right to exist is exhausting,” said Laura.
Mission and Inspiration
The mission behind Laura's work is clear: "I want to leave the world better than I found it, especially by uplifting and celebrating queer stories." Their website, which started as a platform to share their diverse writings, is a testament to her dedication to amplifying queer voices and narratives.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite the struggle to make a sustainable living from her passion for writing, Laura remains committed to her craft and activism. Laura recalls a transformative interview they had with Natalie Goldberg and her book “The Great Failure: My Unexpected Path to Truth,” which resonated deeply with Laura and their reflections on their setbacks and growth as a writer.
Despite their setbacks, Laura is proud of her perseverance: "I’m proud that I’m still writing, still learning, still fighting for justice, despite all that pushes me not to."
A Call to Action
Laura’s advice is straightforward and powerful: "Vote. Your voice matters." Laura stresses the importance of participation in all levels of elections and encourages engagement with literature to deepen understanding and empathy.
Why.Gay?
Choosing the .gay domain for her website is a powerful statement of reclamation and pride for Laura. "Using it with my website is one way for me to reclaim, own and celebrate that word," they explains. This choice reflects her identity and her commitment to visibility and support for those who cannot yet be out and proud.
Laura Carpenter's website, lauracarpenter.gay, stands as a beacon for those navigating their identities and seeking solace in shared stories. Their website is more than just a space for writing; it's a community hub celebrating the LGBTQIA+ experience and advocating for justice and understanding. Laura continues to inspire and lead the movement towards a more inclusive and compassionate world through their words and actions.
Liz Achanta
