Hello there! It’s me, Alex, your second favourite online editor at Archer. (Or… your favourite online editor’s favourite online editor?)

This year, we launched Archer Studio (hit us up early for 2026 bookings!), released our ART issue, and said the words “slay la vie” at least once a day, every day.

Now, we are zonked. Who else is slouching towards the year’s end like a decrepit husk? If so, we’ve got the perfect antidote just for you: stuff and things.

My co-editor Dani and I have curated a list of some of our favourite stuff and things that we’ve published this year. This list features big hits and hidden gems from throughout 2025 – including stories on kink, transness, culture and more. We hope you love them as much as we do!

To our readers and writers alike, thank you for everything. We love what we do, and we love doing it for you.

Dani’s picks:

Dani Leever is a non-binary nonfiction writer, editor and arts worker based in Naarm. They’re Archer’s online editor by day and DJ Gay Dad by night. They collect fishing-themed hats and apparel. 

Becoming a werewolf on testosterone: Hangry, hairy and horny by L H Wolf

“Imagine you’ve found yourself standing in front of the fridge at 3am, craving a rare steak, growing hair in strange places, and wanting to jump the bones of maidens in flowing nightdresses like you’re starring in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).”

This article speaks to two facets of queer identity I adore deep down to my core: a love of cryptids and talking about testosterone. Alex and I were both so thrilled by this pitch when we first received it, and the final product has a depth of poignancy and power that really struck a chord. Trans werewolves forever. Twilight reboot where Bella is more overtly gay and Jacob is a trans guy when?

Sissification from a transfemme Domme: Safe forced feminisation by Trans Princess Jezebel

“This is an alternative to sissification or forced feminisation: the sub is feminised as part of the session, but not mocked for it.”

This piece just blows my non-binary tits clean off every time I read it. It’s so uniquely perfect for Archer’s readership: it talks about trans identity, community and sex work in such a tender but formidable manner. Trans Princess Jezebel is out there fighting the good-est and most urgent of fights; I truly believe this is necessary reading for all trans folks, sex workers and their allies.

Zinaida Gippius’ queer allegories: Trans mermaids in Russian literature by A. R. Sharpe

“Sacred Blood found its way to me at a tumultuous time in my life. I was freshly out of conversion therapy, and was navigating life in a large city with essentially no trans community.”

One of my favourite things about my role is that I am constantly learning from brilliant queer writers. I had never heard of Zinaida Gippius before – let alone thought about trans allegories in Russian literature – and I ended the article a diehard Gippius stan. Is that a thing? Let’s make it a thing. Also, yet another trans cryptid piece… I really have a literary type.

Impostor syndrome is a colonial, patriarchal construct: On mediocrity and white supremacy by Pep Phelan and Olivia Meyers

“The feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy marginalised folks experience are there by design.”

This piece packs such a powerful punch! I think many people will get a lot out of it – I know I certainly did. It’s jam-packed with vigour, scathing commentary and handy tips and tricks to deconstruct the oppressive internal notions of impostor syndrome that exist within so many marginalised folks.

Archer Asks: Author and actor Zoe Terakes on horny trans myths by Alex Creece

“Nature depends on transness – we see it in mycology, fungi, plant life, fish and hyenas.”

Hell yeah for horny trans mythology and facts about trans fish! This conversation is so much fun, and it’s always a blessing to see an interviewer and interviewee really vibing. (Alex Creece is a fantastic interviewer, if you didn’t already know). Fair warning: you will absolutely end the interview by purchasing Zoe’s book.

Alex’s picks:

Alex Creece is a writer, editor, poet, collage artist and average kook living on Wadawurrung land. Alex works in editorial roles for Archer Magazine, Cordite Poetry Review and Sunder Journal. Her first book is Potty Mouth, Potty Mouth (Cordite Books, 2024). She collects human teeth. 

Transition, culture and ritualistic death as a Blak trans woman by Jedda Ruby Riley

“One of my totems is the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and the other is a possum – they are all I need to connect to Ancestors and Country.”

When I first read Jedda Ruby Riley’s piece, I knew it’d stick with me. Her reflections on transition and reincarnation as a Blak trans woman are sensitive, celebratory and thought-provoking, and her vibrant personality jumps off the page. As Jedda says: she really is that girl.

Archer Asks: Mx Yaffa, Palestinian poet, activist and organiser by Anna Hu

“All of my organising is not just me as an autistic person, but the organising itself is autistic.”

I previously worked with Anna Hu on a beautiful interview with trans artists and zinemakers, and was in awe of her interviewing skills. When Anna approached me this year with a pitch to interview Yaffa – a poet and activist that I deeply admire – it felt like a match made in (dare I say) utopia. The result is a generous and illuminating conversation, which I feel so privileged to bask in and learn from.

Cruising IRL: Off the apps and back to the beat by Pablo Alfierri

“I’ve found there’s something beautifully democratic about traditional cruising – the darkness and anonymity working as great equalisers. But online platforms have brought an unprecedented level of pickiness to these encounters.”

Pablo Alfierri’s essay on cruising skilfully blends queer history, the online age and Horniness (with a capital H). When this piece was published, I messaged Pablo, “SO FCKN GOOD and the artwork is rad too!!! 🤩 🚽 🛹”. The sentiment stands – emojis and all.

Black+White: Finding my sexuality in a 1990s fashion and art magazine by Angelina Xu

“That’s the thing about sexual awakenings: you think your secret desires are solitary experiences, until you realise that there have been plenty of perverts since the beginning of time.”

An article about discovering your queerness through artsy, erotic magazines? As a certified mag hag, SIGN ME UP! LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE! Angelina Xu’s piece not only captures something that I’m sure many Archer readers can relate to, but it features a lush array of images from Black+White. Yumbo No. 5.

Sexual violence in sapphic spaces: It lives in your chest by Lydia Jupp

“I finished my story, and my therapist quietly confirmed what I already knew somewhere in the recesses of my mind: what happened to me was illegal.”

Some personal narratives require a long time to gestate, to write and to edit. They cannot be rushed. The work is better for it, and so are we. Lydia Jupp’s essay is exemplary – sharply and thoughtfully reflecting on sexual violence from a place of professional expertise, activism and lived experience. I want all lesbians and sapphic people to read this essay.

Endless thanks to you – our Archer community of readers, writers, artists and supporters all over the world. You’re the heart of everything we do.

Over the holidays, stay in touch on our Instagram, subscribe to our eNews or even pitch us a story if you wanna see your name in lights (on this list!) next year.

P.S. It is hard choosing our top picks. If you wrote for us this year and didn’t find yourself on this list, it doesn’t mean we didn’t love your work! In fact, we only work on pieces that we feel strongly about. Make sure you check our archives for many, many other amazing articles from 2025 and beyond.