CFP – Beyond Tragedy: Reclaiming Queer Latine Vitality Beyond Discourses of Suffering An Anthology for Queer Latines Edited by Queer Latines

So often, queer lives, especially queer Latine lives, are cut short in literature, film, and television. The lesbian, gay, trans, or queer character never makes it to the end. Their story is interrupted by violence, tragedy, or a horrific death, even when they are beloved by the audience. Latine queerness is often written as something that must eventually end in suffering. Although there has been an increase in screentime for queer Latine characters, we mistake this as representation of queer lives because (at the very least) we see ourselves in media, but representation encompasses something that media doesn’t. That is, the dignity and respect for the livelihood of queer joy and queer life, as lived by Latines. 

This collection is intended to serve as an anthology and celebration of queer Latine lives as they are actually lived: ordinary, extraordinary, messy, tender, sensual, playful, creative, political, familial, and full of possibility, joy, and love. I want to document the places where we, queer people, feel most ourselves, the music we dance to, the clothes that make us feel like us, the hobbies that keep us excited about life, the art that touches us, the friendships that become family, the traditions we create, and the small, everyday pleasures that make up our lives. Your life!

Your submission does not have to be “happy” from beginning to end. Joy can exist alongside grief, anger, uncertainty, longing, and contradiction. I am interested in the full texture of your lived experiences of living and joy as a queer Latine person.

Prompt: As a queer Latine, what does queerness, joy, and living mean to you?

Submission link here.