Submit to RWL Magazine - Queeribbean Freedoms

 

Rebel Women Lit is bursting with pride and launching a special call for all our Queeribbean rebels! We're searching for fierce interviews, stories, and poems that celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean LGBTQ+ experiences.

The Caribbean, with its rich cultural heritage, is also a region grappling with issues of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. But amidst the challenges, a powerful movement is rising. Queeribbean voices are demanding justice, equality, and the freedom to love and live authentically.

We want to hear your stories! Share your triumphs and struggles, your love stories that defy societal norms, your journeys of self-discovery, and your resistance against discrimination.

Here are some ways you can contribute:

  • interviews with Caribbean LGBTQ+ activists, artists, community leaders, and everyday heroes who are making a difference. (Payment: $150)

  • Fiction or non-fiction stories that weave narratives that showcase the complexities and beauty of Queeribbean life. (Payment: $100-$150 depending on word count)

  • Essays, listicles, hot takes, on contemporary Queeribbean literary culture (500-1,500 words) (Payment: $100-$150 depending on word count)

  • Essays on contemporary queer issues (700-1,500 words) (Payment: $100-$150 depending on word count)

  • Poems Let your verses sing of joy, resilience, love that breaks boundaries, and the fight for a more inclusive Caribbean. (Payment: $50-$100 depending on length)

Through a feminist and queer lens, we're interested in exploring themes like:

  • The resilience of Caribbean LGBTQ+ communities in the face of adversity.

  • The importance of creating safe spaces for self-expression and celebration.

  • Love stories that defy heteronormativity and redefine family.

  • The intersection of LGBTQ+ rights with other social justice issues like race, class, and gender.

  • The fight for legal protections and social acceptance.

  • Queer and feminist visions for a future Caribbean that embraces diversity and inclusion.

We are particularly interested in work that:

  • Amplifies the voices of marginalized communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

  • Features stories from across the Caribbean and its Caribbean diaspora.

  • Showcases a strong connection to Caribbean culture and heritage.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Open to LGBTQ+ writers of Caribbean descent.

  • All submissions (interviews, stories, poems) must be original and unpublished.

  • For stories: Maximum word count 5,000 words.

  • No specific length requirement for poems.

  • Include a short bio highlighting your connection to the Caribbean and your creative background.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance to the theme: Does the work explore the themes of Queeribbean resilience, love, and justice through a feminist and queer lens?

  • Originality and creativity: Does the piece offer a fresh perspective or unique storytelling approach?

  • Writing quality: Does the work demonstrate strong writing skills, including clear language, engaging narrative flow, and effective use of literary devices (for stories and poems)?

  • Emotional impact: Does the piece evoke strong emotions, inspire thought, and leave a lasting impression on the reader?

  • Representation: Does the work represent the diversity of the Queeribbean experience?

Please note: Due to the volume of submissions we anticipate, we may not be able to provide individual feedback. Shortlisted writers will be contacted directly.