Ames’ rainbow crosswalks are more than a symbol
“I am so honored to call Ames my hometown, and touched by its latest commitment to be an inclusive community.”
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Category: Columns
Hopes dashed: the downside of AmeriCorps VISTA program
For many recent college graduates like me, the endless cycle of job applications and lack of...
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The marginalization of spoken word, slam poetry
Them: “So, what do you do?” Me: “I’m a poet.” Them: “Me too! What kind?” Me: “Spoken word.” Them:...
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Opportunities lost if Iowa misses the green wave
Weed, wacky tobaccie, dope, green … or maybe cannabis. For many, legalized or decriminalized...
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Board games offer lessons of life, inclusiveness
Walking into the game room of Mayhem Collectibles, in Clive, can be a surreal experience. There...
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LGBTQ dating when you’re not ‘gay’ enough
Hey Varla! I have a problem that I’ve been dealing with … forever, really. I’m a REALLY...
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A self-made author shares his inner journey
Since he released his first book, “Look Black Boy,” this spring, Caleb “The...
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When volunteering hurts so bad
This is a really painful column to write. Painful, and difficult, as well as potentially...
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The name’s Varla, the topics are queer sex and relationships
How ya doin? I’m finer than a frog hair split three ways! The name’s Varla, and I am here to...
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On the anniversary of Woodstock, a look back at Camp Euforia 2019
“The sunsets here are some of my favorite,” texts a friend before I head to the last night of Camp...
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