Have you ever wanted to have a go at writing a short story, a poem, song lyrics or simply sharing a little of your life story. Whether you are into fact or fiction, Liberate have an opportunity for you to get involved in their 2023 LGBTQ+ Writing Competition.
The competition is being launched during February which is LGBT History Month and it welcomes entries in any form of creative writing. This annual competition was launched in 2021 after a member of the Liberate volunteer team, suggested it. Liberate volunteer David told us ‘I became interested in LBGTQ+ writing after reading the book entitled ‘The Lie’ by William Dameron, a US based publicist. He described living a heteronormative life whilst hiding his homosexuality until he could hold it no longer. It inspired me to read more LBGTQ+ accounts, both fact and fiction. I came up with the idea of launching, through Liberate, a writng competiton. The idea is for everyone to be engaged with peoples stories or experiences with an LBGTQ+ theme.’ He explained ‘You don’t have to be LBGTQ+ to enter but your entry has to reflect that theme. The aim of the competition is to inform and educate people of the challenges of being LBGTQ+ today using the medium of creative writing.’
The competition is once again kindly sponsored by Imperium Trust, Director Rhona
Humphreys told us why they think the competition is important !The promotion of inclusivity and equality on the island is really important, and an area where real progress has been seen – but there is s1ll a journey to travel. The opportunity for individuals to express their thoughts in the wri1ng is one we are pleased to support again for another year and I look forward to reading all of the entries which previously were both entertaining and inspiring.’
If you would like to enter the compe11on the rules are pretty simple. Liberate are asking you to ‘express yourself with a piece you’ve written with an LGBTQ+ theme’. Entries are open to everyone across the Channel Islands and we encourage entres not just from the Bailiwick of Guernsey but Jersey too. There are two categories; an over 18’s and under 18’s so everybody can have a go, with a £100 amazon voucher prize for the winner of both categories!
The closing date of the competition is 16th of April and an awards evening with drinks and canapés will be held in Guernsey, at the Guille-Allès Library during May (there will be an option for people join the awards night online for people not based in Guernsey).
You can find all the details of how to enter on the Liberate website
