Inclusive Journalism Cymru and QueerAF

QueerAF has partnered with Inclusive Journalism Cymru for another cohort of mentoring.

We're running a dedicated series of think pieces as part of the Queer Gaze - our landmark writing scheme. And you could be one of our writers.

The opportunity

Three LGBTQIA+ early talent, unpublished and marginalised journalists from Wales will be given the chance to:

Three QueerAF commissions of a 500-700 word think piece over a period of three months, using the Queer Gaze format - paid at a rate of £100 each. Think of it like a short-term column.
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 platform.
Two group mentoring sessions with other peers on the scheme, to hone your skills and learn about think pieces.

What is QueerAF?

We help you understand the LGBTQIA+ world and support queer creatives to change the media.

We're an award-winning independent platform launching the careers of emerging and underrepresented LGBTQIA+ creatives driven by people, not advertisers.

Ultimately, QueerAF is a platform where creators, journalists and producers can get paid and commissioned directly by the QueerAF community. This while we mentor you to build a career, work in the industry - and then change it.

Unique approach to journalism

"I loved the whole process, there are few places and organisations that have made it this easy for me to work with them. Plus the fact that I could write about what was important to me and that I didn't have to justify why." – Shivani Dave

What is Inclusive Journalism Cymru?

Inclusive Journalism Cymru is a network to protect, support and represent people who’ve been marginalised or excluded by the journalism industry. Sign up to be a member now - it's completely free, and there's no test. You can sign up here, or as part of the application process.

What is the Queer Gaze?

‘The Queer Gaze’ is a space in the QueerAF newsletter to commission emerging and underrepresented queer creatives so you can get published, receive mentorship and ultimately, kickstart and build your writing career.

The Queer Gaze gives readers eye-opening insight into the experiences and viewpoints in our community they may not have encountered before.

Afterwards, our audience feels intrigued, introduced to new perspectives and inspired to read more.

It's one part of our weekly newsletter that helps LGBTQIA+ people understand the news, latest queer content and perspectives.

Examples from last year's cohort of mentees

Great - how do I apply?

Super simple. First up:

Read of our detailed brief of the Queer Gaze. It's crucial that you understand the concept and have read multiple previous examples.
Check the key dates: Make sure you’ll be able to commit to the opportunity.
Check out QueerAF's contributor guidelines - you'll need to agree to them to take part.
Write your first pitch: To apply for the scheme, you just need to pitch what your first article would be about.

This article may not be what you'll write in the scheme depending on how timely it is, but it will let us know if you understand the task at hand.

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.

Key dates:

The deadline to apply is June 25th 11:59pm.
We'll let you know if you've been successful by July 1st.
The first training session will take place during the week commencing July 7th at either 12-1pm, or 5-6pm depending on mentee availability.
Commissions will begin in August.
Please ensure you have availability before applying

Cookies not working, or button not showing up? Here is the Application form