Cheering erupts from all sides of the room as Gaystripe makes a dramatic entrance forwards onto the stage waving a flag erratically. The flag bears stripes of black, grey, white, and purple. Gaystripe clears his throat in the microphone and begins speaking. 

Gaystripe: Hey guys! Welcome to Day 10 of 30 Days of Pride!

The crowd shrieks with enthusiasm.

Gaystripe: This day is centered all around Asexuality! Also known as Ace. To tell us more, welcome the brilliant Aceface! 

The crowd of cats begins to throw multicolored roses forwards onto the stage as Aceface appears with a grin.

Gaystripe: So, Aceface, can you explain to us what Asexuality is? 

Aceface: *nods* So, Asexuality can be defined as when a cat lacks sexual attraction to any gender, however, this does not rule out romantic relationships. 

Cats mutter in confusion.

Gaystripe: *leans forwards* A cat can have both a sexual preference and a romantic preference, and while a cat may not feel sexual attraction, they can still be romantic with another cat. This would basically be like most relationships, minus the "fun" stuff as people may call it. 

Aceface: Now just because Ace cats are not attracted to the "fun" stuff does not mean they can't do it, they just usually don't. 

Gaystripe nods.

Gaystripe: So, Aceface, have you ever been...ridiculed because of your sexuality?

Aceface sighed dramatically.

Aceface: Unfortunately, yes. While my clan has been very accepting towards me, as well as everyone else's, sexuality, I have been very belittled because of it. Asexuals are not taken very seriously sometimes, and it sorrows me deeply.

Gaystripe sniffles and wipes his eyes with his tail.

Gaystripe: All—Alright folks, let's hear it for Aceface!

The audience cheers wildly as Aceface waves to the audience and disappears behind the curtains. A stagehand creeps onto the set and adjusts the asexual flag.

Gaystripe: So, while we wait for our very special guest, does anyone have any questions?

A cat from the audience pipes up.

Cat #1: what is the meaning of the asexual flag?

Gaystripe: Good question, Cat #1! Every pride flag has a meaning, and the asexual flag is no different! The black stripe on the flag represents asexuality, who would have thought?

The crowd laughs.

Gaystripe: The gray represents gray-asexuality, which is a gray area between asexuality and sexuality, and demisexuality, and white represents sexuality. And last but purple represents the community, like the one we so proudly have in QueerClan!

Applause booms throughout the theater.

Gaystripe: Alright, alright, folks.

He leans towards the microphone and the cats hold their breath in anticipation.

Gaystripe: Please put your paws together for..Stagepaw, give me a drumroll...!

Stagepaw drums his paws on the stage floor.

Gaystripe: The wonderful MMmmmmmmmaaackstar!

Mackstar emerges from behind the curtains, waving her tail, causing an uproar from the crowd. She sits across from Gaystripe and smiles.

Gaystripe: Welcome, Mackstar! How has your special day been?

Mackstar: It's been wonderful, actually.

Gaystripe: That's good! If I may ask, how do you feel, knowing that today is the day for asexual pride? Did you do anything special?

Mackstar: Of course you can ask! You've always been my favorite, Gaystripe.

Mackstar winks.

Mackstar: I didn't really do anything special. But I was happy about the pride day, definitely.

Gaystripe: You know the way to my heart, Mackstar.

Mackstar smiles once more.

Gaystripe: Well, what's your stance on LGBTQ+ problems in our world today?

Mackstar: I definitely think things are more progressive than they used to be, but there are some places where people aren't accepting. I'm lucky to live somewhere where people are mostly accepting.

Gaystripe nods.

Gaystripe: Considering you're in a place that's mostly accepting, do you feel like you can/can't truly be yourself in public, despite being in one of the more accepting countries/areas?

Mackstar: I mean, I don't really talk about it much. It isn't something that other people need to know, and since I've had past experience with people who aren't accepting, it's safer to not mention it.

Gaystripe: Has being a part of QW helped you with feeling comfortable with that part of yourself, or helped you feel more accepted, at least?

Mackstar: Oh definitely, it helped me with all of that

Gaystripe: How does the work you've been doing at QW make you feel?

Mackstar: I'm proud to be the leader of QW, and I'm definitely proud of the work we're doing here. I love being able to help people.

Gaystripe: How are the other admins at QW?

Mackstar: They're all wonderful people, and I'm super glad that they're all on the QW team. They're very hardworking, and we all help each other whenever we need it.

Gaystripe smiles and turns to the audience.

Gaystripe: You heard her folks, so let's give it up for the amazing Mmmmmaackkkstar!

The audience cheers as Mackstar waves and disappears behind the curtain.

Gaystripe: Don't stop! We have another guest that's going to join us! Please, welcome the incredible Solsticefalllllllllll!!!!!!

Solsticefall emerges from the curtain and gives the audience a blank stare. Shaking her head, she dashes forward toward Gaystripe, only to trip over her own paws.

Gaystripe: Oh no! Solsticefall, are you okay?!

Solsticefall: Yeah... You can call me Solstice, if you want... No need for the 'fall' part... Wait... I guess this is why I'm called Solsticefall...

Gaystripe: No no no! You're fine! *Pulls the cat onto her paws* 

Solsticefall: Thanks! Hi everyone!

The audience waves back.

Gaystripe: May I ask you some questions, just like I did with Mackstar?

Solsticefall: Totally! Hopefully, I won't mess them up!

Gaystripe: You won't, don't worry about it. Okay, okay! How did you feel on your day of pride? Do anything special?

Solsticefall: It's nice to know that there's a day set aside to celebrate. At least I know I'm not alone when it comes to romantic feeling(s) toward anyone

Gaystripe: Alright, what's your stance on LGBT problems in the real world?

Solsticefall: I feel like the world should learn to accept everyone for who they are because I'm betting everything I own that everyone has at least been bullied once because of something. Whether it's glasses, braces, hair - we've all had trouble before. Well, soon, people learn to accept that person so whatever reason. I'm not entirely impressed that we're fighting over LGBT rights since we all have shown we can accept people for who they are

Gaystripe: Okay, have any friends or family who are the same sexuality as you, or members of the LGBT community?

Solsticefall: Sadly, no. Most are straight, but I only have one lesbian friend

Gaystripe: Okay, so do you feel like you can't truly be yourself in public?

Solsticefall: I feel comfortable enough to say what I am. To me, it doesn't matter if people look down at me for being asexual or aromantic

Gaystripe: Do you think that's because of your close family and friend's views, or because of widespread lack of acceptance?

Solsticefall:  I haven't encountered anyone being harassed for their sexuality. I do wish the world would come to accept people whole hardheartedly

Gaystripe: Alright. Has being a part of QW helped you with feeling comfortable with that part of yourself, or helped you feel more accepted?

Solsticefall: I'm not picked on for lacking emotions, so that's good.

Gaystripe: How does the work you've been doing at QW make you feel?

Solsticefall: I love it. I tend to be a work horse and love it when I can get my hands on stuff and write. It also makes it better because I feel like we can spread the news about the LGBT community through a friendly way - using a world-known book series. Each admin is accepting and you just kinda fit in when you first join, even if you're shy

Gaystripe: And how are the other admins at QW?

Solsticefall: I like them all, there aren't very many fights or drama issues so that's good. We're accepting and have our times when we joke about or just chill. This applies to me, but even if I'm ranked a teeny bit higher, I still feel like a normal admin with them. It's an amazing group of people to be around

Gaystripe: Thanks a bunch, Solsticefall!

Solsticefall nods before running back behind the curtain and cats cheer.

Gaystripe: Okay guys... best behavior now. Moonlightning's about to come on.

She runs out onstage.

Moonlightning: Okay, gimmie the questions. I've gotta go eat some coffee!

Audience: Eat??

Moonlightning: Don't.

Gaystripe: Anyways... How do you feel, knowing that today is the day for asexual pride? Did you do anything special?

Moonlightning: I think it's really cool, and it honestly makes me feel better about myself, that my sexuality is important and valid enough that people celebrate it on a specific day. Unfortunately, my family does not, and so I didn't do anything super special, but I got to hang out with my internet friends who do relate to me.

The audience frowns.

Gaystripe: That's unfortunate, but yay for internet friends! What's your stance on LGBTQ+ problems in our world today?

Moonlightning: It's obvious a lot of people still don't accept it and who knows, maybe they never will. I think it's important that we're free to celebrate things like this and show people they're wrong. In the end, people need to learn to accept us, because no matter what we aren't going to change. 

Gaystripe: Considering you're in a place that's mostly accepting, do you feel like you can or can't truly be yourself in public, despite being in one of the more accepting areas? 

Moonlightning: I feel like there's not as much stigma around asexuality as some others and so while I don't really broadcast it, I'm not afraid or worried to tell my friends. One common issue is the fact that not everyone fully understands what it is and can be confused or disregard it because it's not really as widely talked about.

He nods wisely. 

Gaystripe: That's exactly what I plan to solve, so everyone can understand better!

Gaystripe: Has being a part of QW helped you with feeling comfortable with that part of yourself, or help you feel more accepted, at least?

Moonlightning: Definitely. Being able to work with people that not only understand me but also identify with me has been a large help in accepting who I am and being aware that others accept me as well.

Gaystripe: How does the work you've been doing at QW make you feel?

Moonlightning: It's been honestly amazing to be able to work at QW and to be able see the impact we can make no matter how small. I've done things similar to this before but I think I can confidently say there is nothing quite like QW. 

Gaystripe and the crowd cheer loudly.

Moonlightning: The work we do, that we have done, looking back makes me proud to be who I am, and even prouder to see the people I've gotten to work with grow alongside me.

Gaystripe: Well, then, how are the other admins at QW?

Moonlightning: I honestly think they're one of the best teams I've ever worked with. The admins here aren't afraid to be themselves and everyone is eager to help no matter what. 

Moonlightning: I've made one of the best friends I have and gotten closer to friends I already knew, because the atmosphere between the admins is unmatched. We are a family. We may not always get along, but in the end, I can always count on these people to make my day.

Gaystripe: Awww, that's sweet.

Moonlightning: I know. Now, coffee time!

After taking a quick curtsey, she races backstage and quickly hides behind the curtain, and Gaystripe turns back to the group of cats crowded below with a happy and excited smile.

Gaystripe: That's all for today folks, be sure to check in tomorrow for Day 11 of the 30 Days of Pride!

There is an uproar of enthusiasm as the curtains slowly close.