***Our submission window is now closed***

BOUNDARY: A Conversation for Our Collective Well-Being

When we first announced this call for contributors in Fall 2019, we had a clear vision for the collection. And then the pandemic happened, disrupting our plans and shifting our focus. We decided to only publish one collection in 2020. With the WORLDBUILDING collection, we wanted to provide an opportunity for our queer and trans BIPOC family to dream with us. To wonder about the possibilities of resistance and joy.

Now that we’ve all gained plenty of experience navigating a world impacted by COVID-19, we are revisiting the theme of BOUNDARY with a fresh lens. We invite you to send us your best pitch that speaks to or expands on this call for submissions.

As you develop your pitch, consider the following prompts or feel free to address the central theme in a way that suits your creative vision and style. Explore the boundaries of everyday interactions: from the personal to the political, professional to private, even those that define the barriers between what’s sexual and what’s intimate (or even platonic and romantic!). What has shaped the boundaries you maintain today? What impacts the boundaries you navigate between social, cultural, and political institutions? What lessons have you learned about your boundaries and those of others over this last year of sharp adjustments, unexpected changes, distance and isolation? In what ways have you excelled in these life lessons and where have you faltered?

At this time, we are only accepting ONE pitch per person (if you submit for multiple writing categories, the first one read will be the only one considered).

We are a publication for queer & trans BIPOC.

Pieces must be original and unpublished works.

DO NOT email your pitch to us; use only the forms below.

To learn more about the kind of work we publish, visit our Collections. 

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How to Pitch to the Online Magazine

You may submit a fully developed pitch OR complete article for consideration. Pitches must be 100(min) to 250(max) words, providing a solid foundation to develop a full essay. It needs to include a statement on the central theme as well as supporting information regarding how that theme will be explored. This will be roughly 1-2 paragraphs and may be written as either a potential introduction to the piece or as an essay summary. Submissions must substantially address the publication theme to which it is being pitched. All submissions will undergo editorial review.

You may only submit ONE PITCH per theme. All submissions should be uploaded using the following naming convention: “First Initial+Last Name - THEME” Ex: “ABraddock - BOUNDARY”

Feature-length Articles & Cultural Critiques

These articles focus on history; social, cultural, and/or political context; reporting and analysis; or deep study into a singular topic. We are looking for nonfiction essays/articles/critiques ranging from 1200-2000 words. 

Personal Essays

Personal essays are first-person stories by individuals on their own lived experiences and relationships to the thematic topic. We are looking for personal essays ranging from 600-800 words.

Alternative Formats: Interviews, Reviews, Roundtables, etc. 

We encourage pitches that fall outside of longform formats that also centrally address the publication theme. These include, but are not limited to: interviews, reviews, roundtables, experimental mixed-format (i.e. photo essays), multi-person collaborations, and more. Alongside the requested 1-2 paragraph summary, alternative format pitches must provide a statement describing the suggested format as well as a brief justification explaining how the format enhances the contributor’s engagement with the theme. 

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Compensation 

Feature-length Articles & Cultural Critiques: $500 - $1,000

Personal Essays: $275 

Alternative Formats (Interviews, Reviews, Roundtables, etc.: $500 - $1,000

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Color Bloq / ColorBloq.org is a nonprofit organization building a community of Queer & Trans People of Color (QTPoC) through a digital magazine, and cultural & educational events. It is our mission to curate safe(r) spaces where we elevate our issues, our culture, our excellence, and our joy.

We are committed to sustaining our community-driven organization through three main programs: 

• Online Magazine: We elevate voices and experiences from all corners of the QTPoC family through a digital magazine featuring non-fiction articles and essays, and visual arts
• Community Events: We host discussions, panels, and more, to share conversations, to build connections, to celebrate our joy in common, all where QTPoC live and thrive
• Futures: We aim to develop a paid fellowship program for queer & trans people of color, providing instruction & activity, professional skills, and community networking

Our organization is primarily funded through community donations and support from collaborating organizations. Color Bloq is maintained by a core staff of dedicated individuals, all of them queer & trans people of color.