The Moon Room

This short story can be read here: kaleidotrope.net/archives/spring-2020/the-moon-room-by-maria-romasco-moore/

This is a short story narrated by a photographer and taking place mostly at a drag bar. Thematically, I love how it uses the drag bar setting as a metaphorical context for the narrator's own exploration of vulnerability and costume. The creepy horror/science fiction elements are subtly woven through the whole piece, and the ending of this story brings everything together so well. What a great last line.

(content warnings: alcohol, and alcohol misuse as coping mechanism)

I read this because it's on the Otherwise Award's 2020 Honor List: otherwiseaward.org/award/2020-otherwise-award/2020-honor-list