The LGBTQ + Allies Q&A Social

warm. welcoming.

an ever-expanding circle

Some great quotes:

"Whatever you are afraid to write or draw, go there. …Don't be afraid to go there." - Laurent Linn

"Write for communities that need it," not in fear of those that might have a problem with it." - Gayle Pitman

"Gate-openers" rather than "Gate-keepers" - Ellen Hopkins

The LGBTQ + Allies Q&A Social

With an expanding circle as more and more people arrived, and with special guests that included Ellen Hopkins, Heidi Stemple, Laurent Linn, Ellen Wittlinger, Matthew Winner, and Arthur Levine, the social opened with a conversation about the responsibilities and challenges of speaking up about diversity, equality, human rights, and politics as people who create content for children.

Then each person around the circle introduced themselves, sharing what they're working on.

And then, for another hour +, people mingled and chatted and exchanged cards with their new tribe-within-a-tribe friends.

Two moments that are still resonating for me:

On an Ally author's reluctance to make a fantasy character queer:
"I want to give you permission that you know as much about a two-headed dragon as anyone." - Arthur A. Levine.

"Don't let anyone shut you up. You have a story to tell. Tell it. ...Somewhere along the way, children will hear it and they will be saved." - Jane Yolen

The evening was brave and beautiful.

The LGBTQ and Allies Q&A

Always a highlight of the conference, this gathering of people interested in including LGBTQ characters and themes in our work for children and teens was a warm, safe space that brought up some powerful issues and generated enormous good-will. We sat in an large oval and took the time for each person to introduce themselves and share what they were working on, and, if they had one, ask a question of our 'brain trust.'

Faculty guests included Arthur A. Levine, Bruce Coville, Neal Porter, Emma Dryden, Ellen Hopkins, and Laurent Linn.

The LGBTQ and Allies Q&A at #NY16SCBWI

It's a social. It's a circle. With a warm and encouraging tribe-within-a-tribe feel, the room filled with authors and illustrators interested in writing and illustrating lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer characters and themes in books (and other media) for kids and teens.

Our special industry guests were:

Bestselling author and former editor Jane Yolen, who has published over 360 books, some with gay characters.

Art director and author/illustrator Laurent Linn, who both works at Simon & Schuster and has a debut illustrated YA novel with a gay main character, Draw The Line, coming out this Spring.

Author/illustrator Mike Curato, who shared his illustrations for the same-worm marriage picture book Worm Loves Worm.

And acquiring editor Michael Joosten, who focuses on picture books at Doubleday and Random House Books for Young Readers.

Jane spoke about how times have changed, and the group consensus was that while there's still a long ways to go, we're making progress towards towards more representation and inclusion of LGBTQ characters and themes. Laurent and Michael discussed the different imprints they work with, and the conversation was encouraging as everyone got the chance to introduce themselves and share a bit about what they were working on (lots of dealing with gender, and characters choosing their gender in science fiction and fantasy in the works.)

A few quotes I jotted down quickly as the discussion flowed...

"Make bold choices and be fully committed to the story you want to tell"

Author Michelle Parker-Rock spoke of how "being different crosses lots of barriers... let your voices ring out!"

Author, Southern Breeze Regional Advisor (and ex-Civil Rights lawyer) Claudia Pearson quoted Kwame Alexander ,who had spoken of how if you want to write diverse books, you need to live a diverse life, and said she was there because, "I want to live a diverse life."

We even learned (from the author/illustrator himself) that Mouse in the Little Elliot books is gender neutral! It was a great session, and people lingered long after the session's formal end-time.

Thanks to all who attended!

The LGBTQ Q&A

Joining me and legendary editor Emma Dryden, best-Selling author Ellen Hopkins, art director and debut YA author Laurent Linn, and agent Danielle Smith, about 30 writers and illustrators (including conference attendee and Sid Fleischman and Lambda Literary Award-winning author Bill Konigsberg!) gathered in a large circle to share our questions about and discuss our projects that include Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning characters and themes.

We started out in a circle

As always, it was a safe space with lots of shared encouragement and mutual support.

Some highlights:

"Write bravely because it's going to matter to somebody. ...We have kids who need these books. Still!"
- Ellen Hopkins

"There is a need and a want" for these books with LGBTQ characters and themes, in publishing houses, "and readers who need these books."
- Laurent Linn

"The biggest tool against generalization is characterization. ...We are all more than our gender identification... Gender is not enough. Sexuality is not enough. Go deeper..."
- Arthur A. Levine

on why Ellen's books are successful... "These books are dealing with how kids would really feel in these situations. But if it's not on the page, kids are going to think you're lying to them."

"The question is not what hasn't been done, but what haven't I done?"
- Bill Konigsberg

Both Arthur and Danielle spoke of how in today's publishing environment, having LGBTQ characters and themes are something they cite as a positive about a project, something that helps them in selling/publishing a project.

And spent time meeting and greeting each other

And we'll let Arthur have the final word for this post:

"There's never been a more receptive environment for publishing LGBTQ characters and issues."
- Arthur A. Levine

The LGBTQ Q&A

With conference faculty guest agent Tina Wexler, agent Jennifer Laughran, Art Director and Author Laurent Linn, Best-Selling and Award-Winning Author Jane Yolen, editor Emma Dryden and editor and publisher Arthur A. Levine, our group of more than forty attendees gathered to share and talk about  writing and illustrating LGBTQ characters and themes in works for children and teens.

In moments ranging from hilarious to somber,  topics covered included picture book art notes (dos and don'ts), gender non-conformity, gender challenges in the English language, and the urgent need for more books with LGBTQ diversity.

At one point, an ally voiced a concern about writing from a queer perspective, and the consensus was to not hold back about writing from other points of view (outside your own.) To do your homework, to run it by people who are members of that community...

Arthur: "I urge you to not be self-conscious"

Jane: "In terms of getting it right. In terms of getting the feelings right."

It was a great conversation and the room was filled with a sense of warmth and community. We sat in a circle, each person sharing their name and what they're working on, with our conference faculty (and myself) chiming in with thoughts, advice and insights.

Once the session ended, many participants stayed to exchange contact information and mingle. The pictures are from that part of the evening:

I was honored to host - my thanks and appreciation to the panel and all the attendees!

Lee

LGBTQ Q&A, a.k.a. "Find the LGBTQ in SCBWI"

It was my honor to host this great discussion with

Author and Legend Bruce Coville,

2014 Golden Kite for Fiction Award-Winning Author (for "Better Nate Than Ever") Tim Federle,

"Freakboy" Author Kristin Clark,

Agent Adriana Dominguez,

Agent Danielle Smith,

Art Director Laurent Linn,

Editor Emma Dryden

and our conference attendees.

Over 40 of us sat in a large circle. It was warm and friendly, and first we quickly shared our names, if we wrote and or illustrated, and the genre/age category we were working on.

Then, we got to the substance - attendee questions for our faculty guests. So many topics were covered, from what to do if you're invited to do a school visit and then, when they find out about the LGBTQ content in your book, you get dis-invited, to the awesomeness of librarians, to how few submissions Adriana and Danielle get that include any LGBTQ characters or themes.

Some highlights:

Bruce Coville

Bruce: "Write what you believe in. Anything else is going to be false to you and false to the world as well."

Tim Federle

Tim: "You will get pushback and you will be celebrated."

Kristin Elizabeth Clark

Kristin: "We need the straight white kids to read these books!"

Adriana Dominguez

Adriana: "For me, speaking about diversity is half passion and half strategy."

Danielle Smith

Danielle: "Don't be afraid to write the characters you want to write. Kids need them."

Laurent Linn

Laurent: Sometimes it's the little things. Like Marla Frazee including two dad and two mom families among many other diverse families in Everywhere Babies. And the impact of that can be huge.

Emma Dryden

Emma: The best way to get kids back to empathy is through books. Keep writing.



And one of the best moments was when an attendee shared that two years ago they had come to this LGBTQ Q&A because they'd started working on a teen novel with an intersex character, and they weren't sure if they should continue working on it. Attending that session convinced them they should write the story they wanted to write. Now, their book is done, and they shared a sense of gratitude at the session helping them get past that fear.

And that's what it's about!

The LGBTQ Q&A

Once again, it was my honor to host the LGBTQ Chat - a discussion of including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning characters and themes in works for children and teens.

Faculty members Jane Yolen, Emma Dryden and Ellen Hopkins spoke and answered attendee questions as we travelled around the circle and people shared what they were working on.

Emma shared some great market and story advice, and each of our faculty were encouraging - a true safe space. Some highlights and moments from our wonderful session:

Jane Yolen: "There's nothing off the table when you're writing a novel… if you do it well.  And then you set a new benchmark."

Ellen Hopkins: "Books don't create queers. The just offer empathy and understanding to that space."

And Ellen's call to action for us all to write the stories we need to write are still resonating:

"Be fearless!"

The LGBTQ Q&A

Once again it was my honor to host the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender and Queer Question and Answer Event!

Our conference faculty attending as special guests were editor Arthur A. Levine, editor Emma Dryden, author Kristin Venuti, agent Tracey Adams and author Ellen Hopkins.

We had over fifty conference attendees attend, and the questions and conversation covered a range including:

Writing the "other"
Post-gay (post-trauma) stories
The need for editors, agents and authors to go outside our comfort zones

There was a lot of discussion about recognizing that when you write an LGBTQ character, that's not the sum total of them as a person.  It's part of who they are.  And you need to write the other parts, too.

As Emma Dryden said so eloquently,

"Stop thinking about them as queer and just think of them as people."

It was a wonderful gathering, and many attendees stayed around afterwards to mingle and socialize (Which was when I remembered to take these photos!)

LGBTQ&A

Since 2008, SCBWI has hosted an invaluable LGBTQ&A at their national conferences.  Hosted by Lee Wind (I’m here. I’m queer. What the hell do I read?), the LGBTQ&A is a great place for writers and illustrators to talk with editors, agents, and authors about issues and the current market for stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming or questioning youth characters and themes. 

Left to Right: Bruce Coville, Jane Yolen, Lee Wind, Michael Strother and Ellen Hopkins

This year the panel was honored to welcome Jane Yolen, (author of over 300 books for children and teens), Bruce Coville, Ellen Hopkins, and editor Michael Strother. In the opening remarks, Jane was asked about her book SISTER LIGHT, SISTER DARK where she offered insights into the matriarchal society in the story. She was followed by Bruce Coville who when talking about AM I BLUE? said that some people didn’t think humor had a place in LGBTQ. But Bruce pointed out that laughter could be an entry point on the topic.

It was a great segue into Ellen Hopkins’s comments about normalizing through books. There was a heart wrenching moment when she talked about the struggle of some kids and teens, about suicide and depression because of bullying or confusion or lack of acceptance. And Ellen said that until we get to a place where kids are no longer killing themselves, we as authors need to keep writing about LGBTQ topics. Normalizing through books. 

The panel got into a discussion on craft, and Jane told the attendees that their characters should come about organically. Let them tell you their story. Michael, an editor at Simon Pulse, told the group that it’s important that their characters have other attributes, and that they’re not just gay. Make them real, fleshed-out people. 

Towards the end, a great Q&A session helped the large group of attendees get specific answers to their writing questions. It was comfortable and exciting, and writers and illustrators were able to stay after to talk privately with the panel. 

For more information and book recommendations, visit:

Lee Wind's Blog

Rainbow List

More details on the Saturday Night (post-Gala) Socials at #NY13SCBWI

Here's the latest scoop on the three different organized socials after Saturday night's Gala on February 2, 2013, that will run from 7:45pm - 8:45pm in the conference hotel:

The Illustrators' Social

After the Saturday Night Gala, come to the Illustrators’ Social to meet fellow illustrators, share your insights about the conference and to give us your feedback!

Hosted by the SCBWI Illustrators’ Committee: Priscilla Burris, Pat Cummings, David Diaz, EB Lewis, and Cecilia Yung.

The LGBTQ&A

At SCBWI’s 2008 Summer Conference in Los Angeles, a group of editors, agents, and authors interested in LGBTQ publishing met informally to chat about the submission process, who is interested and what types of stories they are interested in. We’ve continued this conversation at each conference since.

Maybe you’ve written a book about or for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming or questioning youth; maybe you’re interested in doing so, and you’re just not sure where to begin; maybe you are just curious to learn more about this vital corner of the market for young readers. Whatever your interest in the subject matter, all are welcome. Bring a friend and any questions you may have.

The event is hosted by SCBWI Team Blog’s Lee Wind (your blog host here) and features special guest Jane Yolen, author of almost 300 books for children and teens. For more information on Jane and her incredible and inclusive books visit janeyolen.com.

The New Members or First Time Attendees Social

If you are new to the SCBWI, or if this is your first conference, come to this social and make friends. One of the benefit of SCBWI is participating in our warm and inclusive community, so take this opportunity to dive in.

It’s held after the Saturday Night Gala, and hosted by several of the friendliest SCBWI Regional Advisors you’d ever hope to meet! Join the tribe, become part of us!

Each of these socials should be amazing!  

And while the Friday Intensives are sold out, there are a limited number of spaces still available for the Saturday and Sunday of the 2013 SCBWI Winter Conference.  You can find out more details and register here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

LGBTQ Q&A

I'm so excited to be back covering the LGBTQ Q&A hosted by Lee Wind. This year the panel members included Arthur Levine, Sonya Sones, Natalie Fischer, and Neil Porter.

From the start, Arthur brought out a box of books from Scholastic featuring queer content and characters that he’s published just this year. Some of the titles include ABOVE and THE LETTER Q.

And although everyone was encouraged to see the increase in LGBTQ lit, the panel stressed that there is both room and need for more.  

Sonya and Arthur told the audience that to make authentic characters, find the related feelings--"love is love"--and make the connections. Arthur doesn't want authors to use the excuse of "getting it wrong," and that as writers we shouldn't be afraid of perception--there are all types of queer people. 

The audience was not only engaged, but having a lively and deep discussion about why and how to write LGBTQ content. Arthur really tried to encourage writers to set aside their worries and consider that their feelings aren't much different than that of the characters they want to write. If you're concerned that your character might be offensive, check your stereotypes and just write a good character. 

All in all, this was a great, safe space for authors to share what they're working on, and hear different perspectives.

LGBTQ Poolside Chat

Lee Wind hosted another great LGBTQ chat today by the pool. The cabanas were overflowing with attendees, including Arthur Levine, Bruce Coville, Laurent Linn and Judy Blume! This was a great chance for authors and illustrators to meet and begin conversations that can continue through the week. Honest and open, attendees shared personal experiences and ideas.



One thing most mentioned was the desire to see more LGBTQ characters included in stories, but not having them BE the story. A true reflection of our diverse community. We discussed picture books, chapter books and YA novels, plus Arthur Levine gave great advice on using your own feelings to portray true human experiences for your characters.

Judy Blume told the group that the most important thing is to write the story and not to self-censor. And Bruce Coville told everyone to not operate out of fear, or it will constipate your story.

Inspiring, the LGBTQ chat is a great experience I look forward to every year!

LGBTQ Meet and Greet

Always a highlight of the conference, the LGBTQ Meet and Greet was fantastic. Aaron Hartzler set the scene with a great story that really pulled the group together and spotlighted how important it is to talk about LGBTQ issues, and keep talking about them.

Lee Wind did a fabulous job framing the questions and keeping the conversation interesting and enlightening. Joining Aaron and Lee were Ari Lewin, editor at Putnam/Penguin and agent Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich.

While they were talking, Ari said that she would love to see a cute, fun story featuring a gay or lesbian lead. We were all surprised to hear from Jim that only about 2% of his submissions have gay or lesbian themes, but he would love to see more!

Lee opened it up for question from the over 50 attendees. Someone asked if they thought lesbian characters were underrepresented in YA, and Lee mentioned his blog and his thorough list of spotlighted books with gay and lesbian characters.

A great moment came near the end when Lee pointed out to the crowd that writing novels with LGBTQ themes and characters is a huge opportunity in publishing and should be seen as such.
When asked what they were looking for, both Ari and Jim want a book that stands out and is well-written. But Ari did hope to see more teen romance in LGBTQ books.

The event was casual and inclusive and the attendees were engaged in conversation about the current state of LGBTQ literature. Afterwards, many of us hung around to chat--keeping the good vibes going.

Great time! Can’t wait to do again this summer in LA!!

LGBTQ Panel (continued)

Tony: The finalists for the YA catagory of the Lamda Literary Awards are almost always from manstream publishers.

Arthur: There's less segmentaion in the BFYR area. (There's no "gay teen" section. Gay YA is shelved with all YA.)

Tony: Really satisfying careers happen when talented writers writer to this niche about which they are passionate. (Visit Lamda Literary at http://www.lambdaliterary.org/ to learn more about their awards and programs.)

Lee: He started his blog, I'm Here, I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? two and a half years ago when he realized there was no "safe space" on the web that readers could go to as a resource for LGBTQ material.

Nick: Invites queries.

Noah: Don't hold back on what you want to create. It will stunt you creatively.

Lee: The tides have turned. There are about 250 books on his blog right now. Things are moving forward. And there's crossover into adult readership when it comes to LGBTQ YA lit. (Adults are reading the books the didn't have available when they were teens.) There are so many stories that need to be told--mid-grade crush books, fantasy, graphic novels.)

Aaron: Don't be afriad to tell the story in your heart. We have not reached critical mass when it comes to coming out stories. He's writing the book he wanted to read when he was young. (It's a YA memior that will be published y Little, Brown.)  And he had to get over his own inner-homophobia to begin to put it on the page.

Arthur: It's not just gay teens reading gay YA. Straight kids are reading them, too. But we're not living in "a rainbow land of golden goodness." It's important to strap on your blinders when you're writing. Don't focus on possible outcomes. Just focus on the story.

Tony: Homophobia still exists in the culture and institutionally. Choosing to write a beautiful LGBTQ story is a choice that could present obstacles. Those writers are choosing to battle those obstacles. That shouldn't stop an artist from telling the story they want to tell.

Panel: A Look at the LGBTQ Marketplace

Aaron Hartzler (author and SCBWI Director of Communications) moderated a panel including Arthur Levine (Scholastic VP and Publisher), Lee Wind (blogger, leewind.org), and Tony Velenzuela (Executive Director, Lamba Literary and writer), Nick Eliopulos (Scholastic Editor), and Noah Woods (illustrator and writer) discuss LGBTQ books for young readers.


Arthur: There's a change in the market place from the past 10-20 years. It's no big deal to publishers, writers, book buyers, etc. to have books with LGBTQ content/charcters/themes. Yeah, your book may get banned or burned...yay! Publicity.

Nick: There's not that much out there. There are a lot of aspects to the gay experience that haven't been covered, so there's a lot of oportunity in this area.

Noah: You avoid authenticy if you censor yourself and avoid LGBTQ material.

* Disclaimer: The inclusion of the above image is not a commentary on Cheer  Bear's sexuality. However we strongly believe he/she is an ally of the LGBTQ children's literature community.