Andre Perez

H. Melt curates this collection of essays (mostly originally online), documenting a critical queer, nonfiction literary voice that is strongly rooted in Chicago. Themes include the need to talk more openly about race, class, and privilege, the power of community support, and the experience of living in Chicago. Builds on the work of Chicago-based queer publications like Chicago IRL, In Our Words, and others. (Adapted from Melt's introduction to the collection.)

Published in 2009, the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, this piece analyses and describes trends in LGBT community activism from 1969 to the present. It focuses on the tumultuous relationship between the trans and the Lesbian and Gay communities, offering insight into historical and contemporary developments. It was the first written piece published by the Trans Oral History Project and was initially debuted as a companion to a larger historical exhibition by the same title.