Submission for QueerBlackVoices

QueerBlackVoices is a space committed to the celebration of LGBTQIA+ people of the African diaspora. This project purposefully focuses on the personal journeys & narratives of those navigating the intersectionality of being both Black/African and queer.

All shared stories are done so voluntarily and without monetary compensation. Each storyteller featured by QueerBlackVoices has wholeheartedly offered their time and energy to share their unique perspectives based on their lived experiences. To add your journey to this collection, please fill out the form below.

It is best to complete the form on a computer rather than a mobile device. Do not refresh the page before you click "Submit." If you do, all information will be lost.

Name*

QueerBlackVoices respects preferred names. Nick names, pseudonyms, stage names, spiritual names, and other such self-identifications in lieu of legal or birth names are welcome. However, business names, abstract social media handles, and “anonymous” are not acceptable.

Email*

Confirmation EmailYour email address will NOT be listed with your story.

City/State/Country*

Required*

I identify as a Black, queer/LGBTQIA+ person.

Please select how you will submit your piece. The option you choose will appear below.*

Option 1: Free Form (write your piece freely through the submission form)Option 2: Interview Style (answer pre-set questions)Option 3: Document Upload (upload your piece as a document)

Submission Option 1: Free Form

Free form writing can be in any expressive style as long as it is true to your experience and an authentic representation of you. Pieces should be written from the first person perspective (“I”, “me”, “our”) and are encouraged to have a conversational tone: write just like you’re talking to someone in person.

Free form pieces should be a minimum of 250 words. There is no word maximum.

Submission Option 2: Interview Style

For interview style, answer any (or even all) of the suggested questions in the boxes below. Answers should be written from the first person perspective (“I”, “me”, “our”) and are encouraged to have a conversational tone: write just like you’re talking to someone in person. Feel free to be as detailed as possible. There is no word maximum for any of the questions.

How do you identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum? How did your identity develop?

What is your experience with the word “queer”? What does it mean to you?

What has been your experience as a Black person in the queer community? As a queer person in the Black/African community?

What other personal identities describe you and how do they intersect with being Black and queer?

What obstacles have you overcome as a queer Black person? What obstacles do you still deal with?

What is your cultural background and how has it influenced your queer identity(s)?

What is your lovestyle (i.e. monogamous, poly, married, solo, etc.) and how do intimate/romantic relationships take shape for you as a queer Black person?

How have your experiences with family impacted you? How have you created family for yourself?

What role has spirituality/religion played in your life as a queer Black person?

What impact has being Black and queer had on your personal and/or professional successes?

Why is it important to you to share your story as a queer Black person?

Submission Option 3: Document Upload

If you have a piece already written, you can upload it here. Files must be in one of the following editable formats and no more than 4MB:

.doc
.docx
.txt
.rtf

If it is a piece that has been previously published, please ensure that the previous publisher does not have exclusivity rights to your work.

Document Upload

Upload a File

Upload up to two personal images. Must be JPG or PNG format no larger than 4 MB.*

JPG or PNG format up to 1 GB

Choose an individual picture of yourself to be posted with your story (two pictures maximum; one picture may be of you with loved ones). An image is required for submission and should have a clear view of your face. Any image including genital nudity or bare, uncovered chest areas will not be accepted.

In which LGBTQIA+ identity section(s) would you like your piece to appear? Select as many as appropriate for you.*

Bisexual, Pansexual, & Asexual SpectrumLesbian & Same-Gender Loving WomenGay & Same-Gender Loving MenTransgender & IntersexGenderqueer, Nonconforming, & Non-Binary

If you have any websites or social media handles you would like to share along with your piece, please list them here.

Share Your Journey!