We sat in a circle that kept expanding, talking about creating – and publishing – in the face of so much noise and our Queer community (among others) being under attack.
The evening was warm, welcoming, and supportive. We shared (1) opportunities, (2) favorite recent Queer Kid Lit reads, and (3) wisdom.
Here are some highlights:
(1) Opportunities:
There are two scholarships at the Highlights Foundation to check out (and consider applying for!) The KidLit Pride Scholarship and the Transgender and NonBinary Scholarship for Picture Book creators. The deadline to apply is February 10, so jump on this!
The Azantian Agency wanted folks to know they're looking for LGBTQIA2+ and Allied KidLit creators - check out their agents and who's looking for what here.
There's a Queer KidLit Creators group that's free to join - it's independent of SCBWI, and the group has a monthly zoom community gathering, an online critique system, and even a daily writing sprint (for 15 minutes.) If you identify as Queer and you're creating (illustrating, translating, writing) KidLit, you're welcome to join - all the info's here.
(2) Some of the favorite Queer KidLit reads (including some of the group's upcoming titles) shared included:
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu
Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao
The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals) by Eliot Schrefer, Illustrated by Jules Zuckerberg
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Simply Skye by Pamela Morgan, Illustrated by Heather Bell
Gaysians by Mike Curato
The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
First Kiss with Fang by Marker Snyder
Zoomi and Zoe and the Tricky Turnaround by Corey Ann Haydu, Illustrated by Anne Appert
Who You Will Be by Taylor Rouanzion, Illustated by Stacey Chomiak
Rainbow Boy and the Pride Parade by Taylor Rouanzion, Illustrated by Stacey Chomiak
And, full disclosure, two picture books by me coming out in 2025:
Like That Eleanor by Lee Wind, Illustrated by Kelly Mangan
Banana Menorah by Lee Wind, Illustrated by Karl West
(3) Inspired by a preschool teacher friend who says her job is to "surface the wisdom in the room," we popcorn-ed around the room, surfacing these gems:
Don't be so mean to yourself
Stop moving the f***ing goal posts
I do this because I love writing
There's always a solution
Don't be afraid to blow up your life
The biggest waste of time is self doubt
The only thing you control is how you respond
Get out of your own way and do the next right thing
Get back to the fun of it
Find your people
Help others, too
When you make a mistake, take a step back - can you see it from space?
Make art and give it away - die empty
... and get paid for your work
Our creative job includes protecting our bubble of sanity so we can create
You can't show up for your art if you don't take care of yourself first
**
The social concluded with many attendees passing around their illustrator and business cards, sharing bookmarks, and lots of conversation between new connections, colleagues, and friends.
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