Chapter 2 – Mirage

While we already met Avery, here is a little more about her.

CHAPTER 2

Avery’s first day on campus started with an early meeting with her advisor. With all the train service halted because of a worker’s strike, the idea of a five-mile walk along the lakefront seemed like a pleasant alternative. When Avery stepped out of her apartment building, the heat of the morning sun warmed her back. It was a beautiful day for a walk without a cloud in the sky.

Upon arriving at the University, a group of female students holding placards with various protest chants like “Equal Rights on Campus Now,” “Recognize Lesbian Equality,” and others of a similar vein, blocked the university’s main building’s entrance when Avery arrived. Something significant was unfolding on the campus. Avery had read an article in the local newspaper, Gay Velvet, about the growing women’s movement in the city, aiming to secure better access and support for lesbian and bisexual women.

Things were improving for the LGBTQ+ community in the city, but there was still a long way to go for women. There was only one lesbian bar, and it was in a run-down, unsafe neighborhood. Services catered to men, and women continued feeling marginalized.

This was all part of the larger queer movement. Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons were all joining forces, their voices echoing through the halls of Velvet City University and resonating across the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the city.

The demonstrations were in response to the university’s rejection of a lesbian arts organization that some students were attempting to form. They declared the proposed group to be indecent and not worthy of links to the institution. Even though they have allowed a male-led Gay Alliance for a few years. The sexist refusal sparked an intense reaction from the female student body. The women of VCU would not stand for it.

As Avery pondered the reason behind the protests, her mind drifted back to the day before at The Rainbow Mirage. The space was beautiful, well presented and inviting, but the lack of lesbian art on display seemed odd. Especially when the owner set off Avery’s Gaydar big time—that wasn’t all she set off. Avery found herself to be flustered since that brief meeting. Ren; the woman with the beautiful, yet powerful name took up residence in her mind.

THE REST OF THIS POST IS AVAILABLE FOR USERS WHO HAVE PAID FOR BACKROOM ACCESS. IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTINUE, PLEASE VISIT OUR REGISTRATION PAGE TO RECEIVE YOUR TICKET TO PARADISE.