How to pitch to QueerAF

QueerAF is a platform for queer creatives to build media careers

Our mission is to support, mentor, and build the resilience of queer creatives so they can build media careers.

We believe the UK media industry thrives when it’s bursting with queer talent. That's crucial because only a media industry that represents, hires, and understands us – can help shift the narrative on being queer in the UK.

We’re excited to have you involved in our platform and can’t wait to see what you come up with. Find out how to get started below.

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We offer all of our writers a 'retro' sub-editing session. It's designed to empower writers to be in control of their work and improve their craft. Find out more about them here.

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By submitting a pitch to QueerAF, you are accepting our contributor guidelines. Make sure you have a read of them here.

We're open for pitches

These are the formats we're currently accepting pitches for:

Queer Gaze

We're commissioning emerging and underrepresented queer creatives to write a section of our weekly newsletter called the 'Queer Gaze'.

The Queer Gaze is a space in our newsletter to commission emerging and underrepresented queer creatives so you can get published, receive mentorship, and kickstart your career. Each commission comes with a unique sub-editing session designed to put you in control of your article.

It's 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.

We're mostly focused on the UK - but we welcome pitches from anywhere:

Pitch: Queer Gaze

Welsh Queer Journalists and Writers

Three LGBTQIA+ early talent, unpublished and marginalised journalists from Wales will be given the chance to get multiple commissions, training and mentoring.

QueerAF works in partnership with Inclusive Journalism Cymru. Together we run a dedicated series of think pieces as part of the Queer Gaze - our landmark writing scheme.

Inclusive Journalism Cymru is a network to protect, support and represent people who’ve been marginalised or excluded by the journalism industry in Wales.

Apply: Welsh Writers and Journalists

Coming back soon

Journalist Like Me

In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network, we've published a content series of articles written by LGBTQIA+ journalists about their experiences in the media. It shares stories of being queer in the media and models the change we want to see. Many stories offer alternatives and solutions to the issues LGBTQIA+ creatives face in the industry.

UK Black History Month

Each year we welcome a Black History Month guest editor. Together we run a dedicated series of think pieces as part of the Queer Gaze - our landmark writing scheme - but focused on articles by black, queer emerging writers.

Last year's theme for Black History Month UK is Reclaiming Narratives. It's about "taking control of our stories, celebrating our heritage, and ensuring our voices are heard".

Trans+ History Week

Trans+ History Week is a week-long reflective period to learn and celebrate the momentous and millennia-old history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and Intersex people. Trans+ History Week is a social enterprise to ensure its activity benefits the community and a QueerAF Launchpad project.

For the last two years we've invested in 20 Trans+ Creatives to help us mark the week by making official content in the form of articles, illustrations and podcasts.

This scheme is currently closed.

PSST

We're a newsletter first and foremost, so it's good form to have signed up and read it before pitching!