We're Here, We're Here, by K.M. Szpara

[Single]

★★★☆☆

(SF Drama) Tyler loves being in a boy band, but the label doesn’t want him showing affection for one of the other boys in the band. (7,437 words; Time: 24m)

You Can Make a Dinosaur, but You Can't Help Me, by K.M. Szpara

[Uncanny]

★★★☆☆ Average

(SF Adventure) In hopes of getting money to complete his transition, Emrick and his boyfriend visit his wealthy estranged father, who operates a wormhole that links to other dimensions. (7,046 words; Time: 23m)

Small Changes Over Long Periods of Time, by K.M. Szpara

Read this issue

(Slipstream) When Finley gets bitten by a vampire, he’s pissed because he didn’t consent. When he learns he’s going to become a vampire, he’s really upset, because it’s not legal for a trans person to be a vampire at all. (9,183 words; Time: 30m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

Nothing is Pixels Here, by K.M. Szpara

Lightspeed Magazine, June 2015; 4,200 words
Rating: 3, Good, ordinary, story

Ash enjoys his life in virtual reality, but lately he's got a strong desire to return to the real world--even though he barely remembers it.

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

We're led to believe that Zane is physically handicapped, so the twist when Ash discovers he is physically female was completely unexpected. We also liked the very realistic treatment of virtual reality.

It's not clear who was paying for all of this. How could five-year-old orphans get the right to essentially play all day long for life?