10 Queer Literary Magazines to Submit Your Work to ASAP
Hey KCB fam! Are you a writer with a story begging to be shared, or a reader craving fresh voices that celebrate the LGBTQ+ experience? Then look no further than the vibrant world of queer literary magazines!
These publications are bursting with talent, offering a platform for diverse stories and a space for you to connect with a like-minded community.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, finding the perfect magazine to submit to can feel overwhelming.
To help you navigate the exciting world of LGBTQ+ lit mags, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of our favorite options to get you started!
1. Lamba Literary
A true powerhouse in LGBTQ+ publishing, Lambda Literary publishes exceptional fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction across genres. They elevate diverse voices and stories that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Check out their website for submission calls, writing retreats, courses, and the Lammy awards!
2. Foglifter
This San Francisco-based online journal is a space for queer and trans writers, with an emphasis on multi-marginalized voices (BIPOC, youth, elders, and folx with disabilities). Foglifter publishes daring and innovative work, featuring a mix of poetry, prose, and hybrid genres that experiment with form and voice. Foglifter publishes twice a year and seeks submissions that push the boundaries of what writing can do.
3. Beestung
Beestung is a quarterly online micro-magazine for non-binary, genderqueer, and two-spirited writers and readers. It serves up poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrids, and art with a healthy dose of satire and subversion. They focus on underrepresented voices and stories that challenge societal expectations. If your writing is clever, edgy and unafraid to make a statement, visit their website for submission guidelines.
4. Stone of Madness Press
Do you feel like your writing just might not fit anywhere else? Stone of Madness Press doesn't. An independent press for queer, trans, and neurodiverse writers, this just might be your piece’s next home. They publish a print and online journal twice a year, featuring fiction, poetry and hybrid pieces that explore themes of sexuality, identity, and the fringes of society. If your work embraces the unconventional and pushes the boundaries, their submissions page is waiting for your story!
5. Autostraddle
Known for its witty and insightful online content geared towards lesbians and queer people, Autostraddle also features a vibrant fiction section and strives for Black and Brown queerness as the center, norm and future of lesbian and queer culture. Expect a mix of personal essays, short stories, and excerpts that complexities of LGBTQ+ life with humor and heart. Keep an eye on their website for occasional submission calls.
6. Prismatica
Prismatica Magazine is a quarterly LGBTQ fantasy and science fiction magazine featuring short fiction and poetry from emerging and established authors. Fantasy lovers will be happy to find magical realism, contemporary science fiction, urban fantasy, and more! Head over to their submissions page to learn more about what they’re looking for and how to submit your whimsical work.
7. Raspa
This yearly queer literary magazine brings together the power of Latinx voices to create art that is more representative and inclusive. Do not expect focus on genre or form, but on artistic merit, innovativeness and cultural impact. Published quarterly, Raspa seeks submissions that are raw, fearless, and celebrate the richness of Latinx LGBTQ+ voices.
8. Queerlings
Queerlings is a biannual online magazine dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. They publish fiction, poetry, and nonfiction that explores the complexities of the queer experience with a special focus on uplifting voices QBIPOC, trans, and non-binary voices. Aspiring writers can find submission details on their website.
9. Just Femme & Dandy
Just Femme & Dandy is a biannual LGBTQIA+ literary arts magazine celebrating fashion beyond labels. Highlighting underrepresented and marginalized writers and artists, they welcome everything from poetry to video exploring the intersection of identity and style. Check their submissions page for details and updates on submissions.
10. Vetch
A first-of-its-kind, Vetch is a journal of poetry solely by trans writers. They publish poems that are passionate about the art form itself, while also exploring the social realities that influence trans identity. Find the perfect home for your next poem on their submissions page.
BONUS: KCB the Magazine!
Hi, it’s us – the grooviest, glitchiest, most glorious literary magazine on the internet! But seriously, Karma Comes Before is a platform for emerging writers and artists, and we love showcasing queer, POC, and differently abled voices. If you’re a super awesome human who wants to use your voice and art to make people feel good, we’d love to hear from you! We publish short memoirs, flash fiction, poetry, prose and artwork and submissions for Issue 004 will open up in June! Check out our submissions page for all the details.
We hope this list helps you explore and submit your work. The world of queer literary magazines is bursting with creativity and connection. Happy reading and submitting—and who knows?! Maybe your story will be the next one gracing the pages of these inspiring publications! Good luck!
