QUEERLY TRANS
Writing Prompt: It All Started with a Photograph
Use a picture to build a Queerly Trans writing
This is a simple, easy prompt that I’ve found to be very effective at getting those writing juices flowing.
- You can walk around searching for something interesting to photograph for a day.
- You can get all dressed up in a way that feels particularly gender-affirming for you and ask a loved one to take a picture of this special moment.
- You can scroll through your phone or an old photo album to find a memory that you want to share with your readers.
- You can search the public domain for a picture that really moves you.
- You can create some original artwork of your own that you can then photograph to share with our audience.
- You can share a series of photos that show a progression that you want to describe.
- You can choose a secret object that means a lot to you and show us in a picture. Perhaps it was the first gender-affirming item that you ever possessed.
However you come across your photo(s), I want you to use your picture(s) to build us a story.
It can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or pure pixelated magic!
The results will be queer and trans because you’re queer and trans, whether you’re out and proud or closeted and dreaming of being fully seen. Wherever you are in your journey, however you define that journey, you are queer enough. You are trans enough. Your stories deserve to be read and we want to read them!
The results can radiate rainbows and trans flags or be subtle and quietly queer. It’s entirely up to you.
I encourage you to fully immerse us in the world of your photograph.
What does your story smell/taste/feel/sound/look like? What is happening outside of the frame and inside of the minds that we can’t see? Show us the pain behind the smile and the hope behind the grimace. Take us there!
We can’t wait to see what you produce! Here is what we’ve received so far:
- Jymi Cliche offers a fascinating account of a crucial part of the publishing process through evolving art and photographs.
I thought to myself “I’m gonna write a fiction book strongly based on what I can remember from that trip, and I’ll call it ‘Good Catholic Kids.’” It’s an ironic title because I got into all kinds of trouble.
- Jenny Starr✨ produced this powerhouse of a poem.
I received this invitation from Gaia and took her up on it. I had been spending time learning about my gifts and feeling out of sorts. I needed to ground myself and as I walked I saw this image of me being buried in the earth.
For more information about publishing on “Logan’s Corner” in Queerly Trans, check out our editors’ messages:
I’m happy to edit and publish all drafts submitted that follow the guidelines laid out in the links above.
Alternatively, you are also welcome to tag me and link back to this prompt, so that I can support and promote your work by reading, clapping, commenting, and linking back to your writing here! I also promote all writing prompt responses on Twitter under @logan_silkwood.
Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and support your fellow writers who respond to this prompt by reading their work at Queerly Trans!
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