The Actual Queer Agenda: How to End Systemic Oppression and Still Look Cute While Doing It

by Gemma Ortwerth

Overview

The Actual Queer Agenda: How to End Systemic Oppression and Still Look Cute While Doing It is a groundbreaking anthology that offers a dynamic exploration of identity, justice, and systemic oppression through a blend of essays, poetry, and short stories.

This collection provides a bold critique of societal inequalities faced by marginalized communities, delving into topics like the devastating impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy on autistic individuals, the rising housing costs that disproportionately affect queer, disabled, and BIPOC people, and the urgent fight for universal healthcare and gender-affirming care. It examines the evolving intersections of American identity, colonialism, and the role of Christianity in perpetuating oppression, urging readers to reexamine the frameworks that sustain systemic inequities.

Beyond the political and cultural critique, the anthology also ventures into the deeply personal. Essays on non-traditional relationships, queer online dating, and kink practices provide a nuanced look at the complexities of intimacy and connection in the modern world. Interspersed throughout are sharp, evocative poems that offer moments of introspection, humor, and resilience.

The collection concludes with transformative short stories that imagine worlds where resistance is not just possible but triumphant. These narratives of autonomy and empowerment inspire readers to envision justice not as a distant ideal but as a tangible, achievable reality.

Engaging, insightful, and often irreverent, The Actual Queer Agenda challenges societal norms and inspires action while embracing the humor and creativity that sustain marginalized communities in the face of adversity.

Whether you're an activist, ally, or simply curious about the lived experiences and stories of queer, disabled, and BIPOC communities, this anthology invites you to rethink justice, engage in the pursuit of equity, and celebrate the power of diverse voices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798303668775
Publisher:	Gemma Ortwerth
Publication date:	12/14/2024
Pages:	326
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

Gemma is a multifaceted creator—a published author, visual artist, social activist, and mother. A proud trans woman, she brings authenticity, resilience, and a sharp sense of humor to everything she creates. Her work often explores themes of identity, justice, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities, reflecting her commitment to challenging systemic oppression and envisioning transformative change.

As the author of The Actual Queer Agenda and The Dreamer Saga, Gemma seamlessly blends advocacy with storytelling, offering works that are as thought-provoking as they are imaginative. Her dedication to social justice extends beyond her writing—she’s pursuing a Master’s in Social Work to teach at the collegiate level and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Through her books, art, and activism, Gemma strives to inspire others to embrace their truths, push boundaries, and create a world where everyone can thrive unapologetically.