This post is part of a Nat. Brut series in which feminist writers, artists, and activists discuss people, publications, or organizations who are working toward inclusivity. Today, Talia Lavin shares her choices.
Lethe Press
“…Lethe Press brings us closer to the “what if?” of equal representation in writing.”
After a recent controversy over the Hugo Awards that left the world of sci-fi bitterly divided over issues of inclusivity, it’s doubly important to highlight pioneering work like that of Lethe Press. The indie press focuses on genre titles — fantasy, horror, sci-fi and romance — written by, for and about the LGBT community. Genre writing — particularly fantasy and science fiction — has traditionally been the realm of the “what-if,” a powerful means to imagine alternatives to the way we live; Lethe Press brings us closer to the “what if?” of equal representation in writing. The press runs an imprint, called Tincture, which specifically aims to give a voice to LGBT writers of color, with anthologies like “From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction” and “Walking the Tightrope: Poetry and Prose by LGBTQ Writers from Africa.” Their latest publication is a full-length anthology of stories called “Daughters of Frankenstein: Lesbian Mad Scientists.” Get it before that ominous bolt of lightning in the distance strikes!
Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene
“…Etaghene challenges orthodoxies from colonialism to homophobia with flair and style.”
In her own words, Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene was born with “a mouth full of dynamite and sugarcane.” In poems like “Nigerian Dyke Holy Text,” Etaghene expresses each part of her intersectional identity with flawless, fearless aplomb. Her videos explode off the screen and will make you rethink everything you think you know about spoken-word performances. In her work, Etaghene challenges orthodoxies from colonialism to homophobia with flair and style. Her latest book, For Sizakele, explores love, relationships, intimate partner violence and queer identities among people of color.
Archer Magazine
“Archer gives a powerful voice to uniquely Australian considerations…”
Archer Magazine, the Australian journal of sexual diversity, was launched in Melbourne in 2013. While conversations about queer issues can sometimes feel U.S.-centric, Archer gives a powerful voice to uniquely Australian considerations, from sexuality in Aboriginal communities to the unique difficulties LGTBI individuals face in Australia’s rural districts. At a recent event at the fabulous Bluestockings Bookstore in New York City, Archer kicked off its international tour — and provoked some fascinating discussions on the intersections between media, gender and sexuality.
Talia Lavin is a fact-checker at the New Yorker magazine, and a writer, poet and overall lover of words. She loves inclusivity, consent, her husband Alex, and concealing elevator farts by coughing loudly.
Nat. Brut is a biannual journal of art and literature that aims to advance equality and inclusivity in all creative fields. To learn more about us, or to order a copy of our latest issue, visit us online!
