There has been a huge uptick in them launching recently. It’s not just because of how rocky the world of media is right now with layoffs, firings, and 1publications just disappearing overnight. It’s also because folks want more control over their work and money. Growing tired of chasing checks and having pieces published that don’t reflect what was approved in their final edits.
Moving their content and words to platforms and websites where money goes right into their pockets. Where they make the rules from the edits to the publishing schedule. All this with the hopes that the folks who loved their work everywhere else will follow them to their worlds and bring their support, shares, clicks, and money with them.
This includes a lot of Black Queer writers.
Writers who were already fighting to get eyes on their work when the playing field wasn’t as fucked up as it is right now. Writers who weren’t being asked to write about what made them excited but instead asked to fill SEO quotas.
I want a world where Black Queer writers publish their work and collab with others. Where newsletters and sites turn into well-known publications, guest writers turn into well-formed (and well-paid) teams, and casual readers turn into invested subscribers who can’t wait for what’s going to be published next.
So in the meantime, here is a running list of 2Black Queer Writers with newsletters that you can support and subscribe to. Not all are on the Substack platform, they are all over. When I get more, I’ll add them and share the post every few weeks with updates.
I love writing. When I was a kid I never knew that it could be something I could make a career out of. I know—especially right now—we have to live in the reality of things, but I don’t want how fucked up media is currently to make us think we have to give up.
An independent newsletter about congressional politics for diverse communities
What is it about?
“Delivered twice a week, OUAH dives deep into the people and policies shaping the legislative agenda—with a focus on Democratic politics in the MAGA era—plus domestic issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence prevention, health care accessibility, student loan reform, the affordable housing crisis, food insecurity, race and gender inequality, and artificial intelligence regulation.”
It's my world, and I'm still learning how to live in it
What is it about?
“In essence, I aim to showcase all facets of my identity beyond what may be conventionally expected, offering a space where my full self can be embraced. Expect a diverse array of content spanning from discussions on anime, music, and video games to explorations of sexuality and personal musings, providing a comprehensive glimpse into my multifaceted existence.”
File Under: Sex/Dating | Personal Narratives | Media/Culture Analysis
“Perpetually Online is a deep-dive into media (particularly film) with a leftist analysis. It's about being a principled hater without forgetting what we love!”
For Black gay men and other QPOC interested in challenging themselves into new ways of thinking and feeling
What is it about?
“You know those conversations you have with a really close, TRUSTED friend where you both laugh, are vulnerable and walk away having learned something and FEELING like your perspective has shifted into something more open? That's what we're doing at RELAY.”
“My newsletter is essentially music reviews of albums from the beginning of my music knowledge to 2023. I dive into what I think makes these albums “no skips” or perfect in my eyes.”
“My newsletter highlights new album releases and various playlists (updated weekly) as well as celebrating album anniversaries within specific years. it's solely to help others discover new music and express my love for it!.”
Where annoyed black and brown folks come to vent about that one microaggressive coworker or job experience
What is it about?
“Here to complain is a place where black and brown folks come to vent, rant, and share their stories of work-related microaggressions and silly coworker moments. This is a safe zone for us to air out our grievances, as oftentimes we’re not afforded the space to do so. The hope is to foster a community of folks who get it, who can lend an ear, help you read your employee in the comments, or possibly console you with kind words and affirmations for all the sh*t they be putting you through.”
“One of the handful of urbanist media platforms run by a Black person, and probably the only one with a queer, disabled, feminist currently based in DC who is trying to bring more fiber crafts to the city. I'm Kristen, nice to meet you.”
“LOOSEY is a bi-weekly newsletter about culture, technology and the way we live. Subscribe for essays, recos and interviews, your group chat will thank you!”
File Under: Film/TV | Fashion/Style | Personal Narratives | Comedy | Sex/Dating | Books | Music
“Channeling esoteric magick, black-anarcho politics, and nature wisdom, I offer cultural commentary, divination readings, speculative fiction, and art to support our collective evolution.”
File Under: Personal Narratives | Advice | Literary | Art | Spirituality
“BBP is a weekly newsletter that covers everything from the role of the BBL in hip-hop culture, the history of the relaxer, to AI wigs as the new hair frontier.”
“If you’re a toddler-adult and you literally just need company while going through it, this substack is for you😌. There’s also fiction and poetry for the fun of it!”
File Under: Mental Health | Personal Narratives | Advice | Poetry & Stories
Poetry that wears the author's heart on its sleeve
What is it about?
“Poetry on events past, present, and whatever is flying at the seat of the imagination with inspiration in the passenger. Poems will range from personal to simple, from my life perspective to random epiphanies that come to me when responding to other work.”
File Under: Personal Narratives | Politics | Philosophy
Thank you so much!!! Substack needs more of this.
Thanks for the shout :)
Thanks for adding me! And happy to have all of you on my list!
Thanks! Bookmarking this for later! 😊
Okay this is absolutely amazing! Thank you!
Thank you for helping me find other black, queer writers. I was feeling pretty lonely out in these digital streets *tears up*
Thank you so much for putting this together and including me!
🥹this is an awesome list glad I’m subscribed to some already
I’d like to shamelessly insert myself here too since I fit the bill 🙈 so check out my newsletter
Midnight Musings (janomaomena.substack.com) 💜💜💜
Yoo, this is such a wonderful list of Black queer newsletters, y'all—so glad to be included!
Shelli, thanks so much for putting this together. This deserves to be shared far and wide.
i really appreciate you for including me! blessings to you! ✨