There are hundreds of incredible writing and literary conferences around the world, but we especially love those that uplift and showcase diverse and often overlooked voices. We’ve rounded up four of our favorite conferences for LGBTQ+ writers and readers that span from one day festivals to intensives that span multiple days and speakers. Each of these events boasts impressive instructors and panels, and we know that any reader or writer can find something to love in each of them! Read on to discover our favorites!
Lighthouse Writers Queer Creatives Fest
With virtual and in-person classes offered, Lighthouse Writers Queer Creatives Fest boasts an impressive amount of intensives, seminars, lunch panels, and events for LGBTQ+ writers. All of the instructors have impressive writing resumes under their belt and can truly help writers of any genre and medium grow. Overall, this fest is absolutely perfect for storytellers who want to shape their writing into something genuinely incredible!
Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices
Featuring incredible writing instructors from all genres and forms, the Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is a virtual event that requires an application to attend. The instructors choose the individuals they want to work with, with a special emphasis on lifting up queer and POC writers. They offer a number of scholarships to assist applicants with the cost of the program while always keeping writing at the center of what they do. This is a great experience for up and coming authors who want to refine their craft!
Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival
Part of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, the Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival focuses on uplifting people from all walks of the literary world, from readings of new material by both new and established authors, to editors and publishers. There are a variety of panels and writing craft sessions taught by the best in the industry. There are also inductions in the SAS Hall of Fame, book launches, and award ceremonies. This literary festival has something for everybody, from the most casual reader to the most dedicated author, and everybody can find something to love here!
Rainbow Book Fair
Rainbow Book Fair, the largest LGBTQ+ literary event in the U.S., seeks to uplift and give a platform to those who have been previously overlooked. Their panels not only discuss the queer literary world, but important and pressing issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. The event is completely free to attend, and boasts books that range from graphic novels to scholarly literature to photography. Readers and writers of all ages and interests will absolutely discover something they connect with at this amazing event!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of some of our favorite LGBTQ+ writing and literary conferences! We highly encourage all writers to check these out and learn from the amazing professionals who help put these events on!
Discover more articles about LGBTQ+ writers and readers here!
Find our favorite LGBTQ+ books here!
