Pitches wanted (Black History Month) | ~15p per word
Added 2025-09-24 14:10:53 +0000 UTCCOMPANY/PUBLICATION: QUEERAF
Deadline: 28 September 2025
The Love Tank's Phil Samba is joining QueerAF as our Black History Month guest editor.
Together we're running a dedicated series of think pieces as part of the Queer Gaze - our landmark writing scheme - but focused on articles by black, queer emerging, unpublished or marginalised writers.
Click here to access the application form if the buttons aren't showing.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Is for four early talent, emerging, unpublished or marginalised Black LGBTQIA+ journalists who will:
Write a short 500 word think pieces, using QueerAF's Queer Gaze format - paid at a rate of £75 each.
Get one of 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.
Receive multiple portfolio-building opportunities with content published across QueerAF channels.
This scheme will best benefit those who want to join one of our unique training sessions to build their journalistic writing skills and early portfolio.
QUEERAF'S 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 KIND OF PITCHES DO WE WANT?
This year's theme for Black History Month UK is Standing Firm in Power and Pride. It's "a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe."
The opportunity is to write a short think-piece for us. These are some of the subjects guest editor Phil Samba is interested in hearing intersectional pitches on:
Transphobia
Misogynoir
Access to healthcare and inequality
Mental health
HIV and sexual health
Ballroom
Black queer studies
Publishing in the UK
Politics
Chemsex
Blood donation
Anti-fascism
We're not looking for hot takes and clickbait opinions. We're looking for analysis, evidence-based thinking, and accessible expert opinion.
A think piece aims to be thought-provoking and speculative. It consists chiefly of background material, analysis and some expert opinion.
THE DETAILS
We're running a two-stage process to pick the four writers. The first deadline is 11:59 pm September 28th, and the second is 11:59 pm October 5th 2025. Get your pitch in by the first deadline to have the best chance.
This scheme is aimed at Black queer people from any background. We're especially keen to hear from Trans+, Women, Disabled, Low Income, Migrant and marginalised LGBTQIA+ identities.
To pitch, you need a working headline, a few bullet points to explain what you'll write about, and some links that will back up your expert, evidenced-based opinion.
All pitches will need to be delivered in accordance with QueerAF contributor guidelines and our IMPRESS regulation
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Submissions: Via the webform
Website: https://www.wearequeeraf.com
TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:
Learn more about the publication: QueerAF is a British nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ creatives and providing in-depth coverage of queer issues. It offers a free weekly newsletter and an award-winning podcast that explore LGBTQIA+ news, culture, and personal stories. The platform aims to empower emerging queer voices and foster a more inclusive media landscape. More information here.
Read through a selection of recent articles/stories on its website.
Review the submission guidelines here.
Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook and at SuccessfulPitches.com.
Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.
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