Keywords

Lesbian, Karma, Drama, Fiction, Humor, Pattern, Infidelity

Abstract

It’s All the Same is a collection of short stories that center around lesbian characters. The stories explore themes such as ambition, morality, karma, mental health, exploitation, and relationships. The collection opens with “Forget Her Inc.,” a short story that juggles an ensemble cast of lesbians and examines whether memory eraser therapy is an ethical practice for treating a broken heart. “It’s All the Same,” the titular story, uses lyricism to present the parallels between two women in terms of family dynamics, interests, and attachment styles; the story explores a loving friendship between a lesbian and a straight woman.

“Fun Ceramics” is a delightful short story about two friends who spend the day together at a ceramic painting store; the protagonist must decide whether to profess her romantic feelings or let her insecurities about discovering her sexuality beyond adolescence stop her from doing so. “A Success Story” uses lyricism and a switchback narrative to tell the story of a young actress who finally gets her major acting debut but must work with her acting teacher, whom she had a tumultuous and abusive relationship with ten years prior.

Finally, in “A Karmic Affair,” a retired ballerina whose relationship with a playwright started as an affair and may end because of one, the story grapples with relationship patterns and betrayal. These stories share stylistic and thematic elements while also displaying a wide range of lesbian characters and storylines that are infused with drama, humor, and love.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Schwartz, David

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Identifier

DP0053204

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