The Queer Community Center (QCC) at Laney College is proud to announce the top five finalists of its inaugural Queer Writing Competition. Hosted during the spring semester, the competition invited students to submit original writing that speaks to the complexities and joys of queer life and identity.
The goal of the competition was to create a platform for LGBTQIA+ students to share their voices, uplift each other’s experiences, and foster connection through creative expression. Submissions ranged from poetry to personal narratives, each offering a unique perspective rooted in authenticity, resilience, and imagination.
The top three winners were recognized at a recent event hosted at the Student Center, where they received Laney College "Oakland Pride" t-shirts, gift bags, and the opportunity to share excerpts from their work. Photos of the winners are featured below.
First Place -
Elyas Torabi
Torabi’s submission offered a lyrical and emotionally resonant meditation on family, displacement, and queer belonging.
Second Place -
Hannah Corman-Roberts
Corman-Roberts presented a sharp, funny, and reflective story that explored gender identity and queer coming-of-age with wit and compassion.
Third Place -
Seren Bolt
Bolt’s writing stood out for its exploration of queer lineage, community resistance, and the search for self through collective memory.