Opportunities for LGBTQIA+ Writers through our QueerAF Collaboration

At Inclusive Journalism Cymru, we’re all about joining forces, and believe that by working together we can create a more sustainable and supportive industry. That’s why we’re super excited to announce our new partnership with QueerAF, an independent platform launching the careers of emerging and LGBTQIA+ creatives. Together we’ll run a series of mentored member’s blogs bringing QueerAF’s unique approach to LGBTQIA+ journalists in Wales. 

“Our unique sub-editing and skills sessions have been described as ‘like therapy, but for your writing,” says QueerAF founder Jamie Wareham.

“This exciting partnership will help us continue to model the change we want to see in the media industry by sharing our approach and methods with another organisation doing vital work in this space.”

We’re planning a dedicated series of think pieces as part of a unique set of Queer Gaze commissions – QueerAF’s landmark writing scheme. The Queer Gaze is a space in the QueerAF newsletter to commission emerging and underrepresented queer creatives to get published, receive mentorship, and kickstart your career.

Each commission comes with a unique ‘retrospective’ sub-editing session designed to put you in control of your article. It will help Welsh LGBTQIA+ creatives build journalistic craft and strategic communication skills.

To break it down:

• Three QueerAF commissions of a 500-700 word think piece, using the Queer Gaze format – paid at a rate of £100 each
• QueerAF’s unique ‘retrospective’ skills-based sub-editing sessions with each commission so you can understand the editing process, grow your journalistic craft and strategic communication skills
• Multiple portfolio-building opportunities with content published across QueerAF and Inclusive Journalism Cymru platforms

We’re looking for three LGBTQIA+ journalists from Inclusive Journalism Cymru’s network.

This opportunity is great for writers with little or no experience who want to get into writing and journalism. It’s also great for those looking to build their portfolio and hone their craft.

• Make sure you’re a part of the Inclusive Journalism Cymru network – you can sign up here.
• Have a read of QueerAF’s detailed brief of the Queer Gaze. It’s crucial that you understand the concept and have read multiple previous examples.
• Check out QueerAF’s contributor guidelines – you’ll need to agree to them to take part.

The application task is to pitch an article as if you were writing it for QueerAF’s newsletter.

This article likely isn’t what you’ll write in the scheme, but it will let us know if you understand the task. Be ready to tell us a headline, your story in three bullet points, and what three sources you’ll use to back up your think piece.

We’ll also ask for some details about you and your previous experience.

Once you’re ready, follow the link to apply. 

The deadline is 7th August 11:59pm. We’ll let you know if you’ve been successful by 24th August. The first commissions will begin in September 2023.

Happy pitching!