This blog shares the personal reflections of a gay Catholic man in the UK who, alongside his partner, wants to be married in the Catholic Church. He describes the inner conflict between his strong faith and the Church’s exclusion of same-sex couples. Despite knowing supportive priests and wishing for reform like that imagined in the film Conclave, he remains caught between tradition and progress. The piece calls for deeper inclusivity in religious spaces, not just tolerance.

This article explores the growing debate around banning smartphones for under-16s, sparked by the Netflix series Adolescents. Drawing on her experience in education and pastoral care, a teacher argues that while concerns about screen time are valid, blanket bans risk ignoring the diverse needs of young people. She highlights how age, neurodiversity, parenting situations, and class all affect how children use and depend on smartphones. Rather than one-size-fits-all policies, the article calls for inclusive, age-sensitive guidance, better support for families, and more equitable digital education in schools.

I'm not following the conventional path, I'll smile and explain that I'm carving out my own. It's a path that honours my demisexuality and my desire for a life that's authentically mine.