Published inHuman Parts·May 10Member-onlyHi, I’m the new editor of Human PartsAnd I want to read your writing — You know those late night conversations with friends when you end up telling your best stories? Those are the ones I want. I want to collect your beautiful gems in the little eggplant-colored suede pouch that I got from Museum Village when I was 12. I bought it to hold…Human Parts2 min readHuman Parts2 min read
Published inHuman Parts·May 14, 2020Member-onlyI Miss My BarberIt took me 25 years to get the cut I wanted. Maybe one day I’ll get it again. — The first time I walked into a barbershop was like a first kiss. I was nervous, but thrilled. I felt square trying to be smooth; self-conscious, giddy with anticipation. I was also 25. When I was nine, I drew the haircut I wanted on a Post-it note and brought it…Beauty4 min readBeauty4 min read
Published inHuman Parts·Nov 7, 2019Member-onlyIs My Suit Making You Uncomfortable?Being nonbinary brings out the worst in people — My dad told me why I don’t have any money the other day. Well, he told me one of the reasons I don’t have any savings and a carload of student loan debt. He said, matter-of-factly, “Well, but you’ve always had a hard time finding a job for a number…Identity7 min readIdentity7 min read
Published inSlackjaw·Feb 24, 201721 Alternative Bathrooms for Trans and Gender Non Conforming PeopleExcretion in the age of President Trump — The woods — Not always around when nature calls, but an elegant solution to the problem your identity creates for bigots. A hat — People these days buy so many hats they NEVER wear. Let’s finally put them to good use. IKEA’s model bathroom — Never put too much of…Transgender2 min readTransgender2 min read
Published inSlackjaw·Mar 16, 201621 Ways to Tell If You’re a REALLY REAL New YorkerYou live in a garbage can. 2. Your rent is $1900… a minute. 3. You play chess in Washington Square Park, but you recently realized the chessboard is just a guy on his hands and knees begging for the bucket drummers to stop playing. 4. You ride the subway below…New York City3 min readNew York City3 min read
Published inHuman Parts·Jun 24, 2015Warning: Summer is Coming To New YorkWell, really, it’s already too late. I’m trying to warn you that summer is coming. Unfortunately — like the hated and feared Kool-Aid man — summer has burst through the wall, uninvited, bearing a devil’s smile. Summer is here. It can be difficult to convince people that the things they…Summer3 min readSummer3 min read
Published inHuman Parts·Oct 19, 2014This Is The Hard PartPhoto: Phil Roeder This hold music is making me tear up. I’m not usually like this, I swear. You would know. I’m waiting on the line, not for you, just because it’s the next thing I have to do. …2 min read2 min read
Published inThe Hairpin·Jun 17, 201415 Lesser-Known Things To Say To A Dressby Laura Jayne Martin 1. “Can I put jeans under you?” 2. “How come I can’t be the ring bearer?” 3. “Why don’t you have any pockets?” 4. “I look like when people clothe their pets.” 5. “Of course, my legs feel pleasantly unfettered — which is really just one…Fashion2 min readFashion2 min read
Published inHuman Parts·Jan 16, 2014How to Be Up in the AirAnd Other Lessons I Learned on B-12 at The Whitney — “Here’s your B-12,” my doctor said as he plunged a syringe into my left shoulder. I like my doctor. But that’s a story for another time. This is about Tuesday when I’m pretty sure I got high on B-12. Okay, I know you can’t get high on B-12. But I…Body5 min readBody5 min read
Published inThe Hairpin·Jan 7, 201412 Lesser-Known Scented Candlesby Laura Jayne Martin 1.) “Over for Care” — Smells just like your ex’s threadbare navy blue t-shirt that you didn’t have to lie about still having because they said they wanted you to keep it. Or they would have, if they’d had the time. 2.) “Ghost Soup” — Smells…Candles2 min readCandles2 min read
