With so many things happening in the world today, it may be hard to focus on the positive. While many injustices have occurred in the LGBTQ+ community, we at Prism would like to bring forth some positivity. Lovely Luminaries is here to do just that. May this be a small reminder of the good things that can happen.

First, we have a law change that makes discrimination illegal. A law was passed in Angola decriminalizing same-sex marriages! While the law was signed in late 2020, it also banned discrimination against a person's sexual orientation. This law also contained a passage that will allow for imprisonment if anyone is discriminated against for their sexual orientation. After Angola gained independence in 1975, this was the first rewriting on colonial codes that encouraged discriminatory behavior. While this is a win for the people of Angola, it's a small step in the right direction that many others should follow. Only around 30 countries have legalized same-sex marriages, Switzerland adding to that as of July 1st, 2022.

With June being Pride month in some countries (some are held in other months), we see parades being held. It's a chance for people to celebrate who they are and to bring further awareness to the community. Each year, more and more people "come out of the closet" and show us their true selves. Having that freedom to show who you are is a beautiful thing. Here are some people who have announced their sexual orientation/gender identity to us: Willow Pill, Isaiah Rashad, Bosco, Mackenzie Phillips, Rebel Wilson, Jasmine Kennedie, Charlee Corra Disney, Willow Shields, Jerrod Carmichael, and Janelle Monáe. While I'm sure there are many others, this is just a few. I hope we see nothing but the best for them.

As I'm writing this article, I wanted to take some time out to share something I feel is special. Today, June 28th, marks the 52nd anniversary of Pride Parades! It started in 1970, the year after the Stonewall Riots occurred, then called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. I think, if you have time, it's definitely worth looking up its history.

So, before I leave you all, I'd like to share with you some songs of empowerment for whenever you need them! I know I do at times and they help me feel better. This, of course, is only a very small list.

• Born This Way By Lady Gaga
• I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross
• I Want To Break Free by Queen
• Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert
• Brave by Sara Bareilles
• Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
• Express Yourself by Madonna
• Firework by Katy Perry
• True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

Until next time Luminaries, keep your head high and spirits higher!

Today I would love to introduce you to the most wonderful soul that I know. I met them here on HEX over a year ago, and I feel like I've known them for a very long time. Their username is RisenPhoenix, but myself and my friends just call them Pho.

They have this aura about them, even online, that never fails to make me smile, and they always have good advice and an open heart when any of us need to talk. That is why I chose them for this edition of A Beautiful Soul. I want you to get to know them as I do.

I never really "realized" my identity or sexuality. It's not like I woke up, opened the curtains, and a rainbow flew out of my chest and wrapped its way around the sky. It was just a fact for me. Something that just existed.

I wasn't interested in the "boy path" or the "girl path." While my teammates in the lacrosse or tennis teams were talking about girls, I just couldn't bring myself to share their excitement. I could see when a girl was beautiful, but something inside me just couldn't link itself to any of the girls I met.

I had a lot to think about. Was there something fundamentally wrong with me? Was I just ignorant and unable to experience attraction? It felt strange, being the only one seemingly not interested in dating. It also felt strange how much it impacted me to be known as a "boy." It was like an itch inside my mind. Itching and itching every time someone called me "him" or "he" or I tried to understand why others found girls desirable beyond just as friends.

I eventually got into contact with a friend involved in the community, and he discussed things with me. How I was feeling, why I felt undeniably sad when I looked in the mirror despite not being able to put my finger on what exactly was wrong. He told me it sounded like I was struggling with "Gender Dysphoria" and suggested I speak to my therapist about it.

My therapist helped me understand my feelings, and to realize that maybe the reason I wasn't interested in girls wasn't that I was "wrong," just different. Eventually, I managed to figure myself out. I finally put all my feelings and thoughts into words. I'm a demisexual, androsexual, non binary, polyamorous person. Quite a mouthful.

But for the first time in years, I felt that itch, deep deep down, get scratched. I told my parents, and I'm grateful every day that they were supportive and open to learning and encouraging.

I went through life experiencing different things. I went to pride parades, and I had slurs thrown at me. I lost a few dear friends who were scared of who I was, unable to understand, and I found new friends who opened their hearts to the person I was and am.

The community helped me understand that only I could define myself, and my perception was what should be guiding me, not just "the norm" offered by society. I can and should co-exist peacefully with straight, cis people. The two communities can coexist happily and peacefully.

I'm living my best life, with my boyfriends, Callum and Eli, and my bird, Dood. I went from being a confused wee one, not even aware they could fit outside the cis world, to a happy, fulfilled person who enjoys every single moment of every single day.

I'm very grateful for that.

Now you know a little bit about my wonderful friend RisenPhoenix. I hope you keep your eyes out for them around as well. They are a super awesome person to know. Thank you for giving me this chance. See you in the next edition of A Beautiful Soul.