Dive into one of our most-loved stories from the past year—and join us to get started on writing your own personal essays. This story from Heather K.M. Lewis was a finalist for the 2025 Narratively Memoir Prize, and it’s also one or our most-shared, most-commented-on stories from the past year.
Check out what just a few Narratively readers had to say: If you haven’t had a chance to give this one a read yet, check it out below. **Have your own story to tell?** The 2026 Narratively Memoir Prize is now open for submissions! **Need help telling that story?** Our Personal Essay Sprint is a go-at-your-own-pace writing intensive that includes weekly live fireside conversations with acclaimed writers and instructors, and a vibrant community to help you along the way. We're looking for super unique and interesting first-person stories that focus on one moment, one day, one week, one season. I Was Taught to Hate My Lesbian Neighbors.
The summer my parents’ marriage was falling apart, my best friend’s two moms saved me—even though my dad said they were going to Hell. It was the halcyon days of social video, eons before TikTok, and one gung-ho idealist had a simple plan to change the world. His Kony 2012 campaign… © 2026 Narratively, Inc. · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Extract — continue reading at the source.
