OUTwrites began under this name in September 2003 as a queer-positive, sexually diverse writing group. We existed for at least ten years prior to that under various names. Today, OUTwrites, offers a supportive, welcoming space where writers can share ideas, practice the craft of writing through a variety of exercises, and learn from valuable feedback and critique of their work from other members.

        Our goals are to improve our writing skills, assist each other in developing our work, and support each other in gaining recognition, such as through publication and/or readings. We hope to enrich Canadian Arts and Culture by creating and promoting literary works of excellence from the LGBTQ Community.  We have just launched an E-Zine to disseminate our works, and hope to follow that up with a printed publication.

Within the mainstream queer community, often only one type of art gains acceptance and appreciation.  Queer artists who attempt to promote original thinking and new perspectives of the world rather than perpetuating stereotypes and queer clichés are not always recognized or nurtured.  In addition, neither the arts nor queer issues have much social capital under certain political administrations. OUTwrites is determined to rise to this challenge by contributing and promoting works that add to the queer literary landscape.  We strive to explore the realms of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and memoir of high quality from a variety of LGBTQ perspectives. 

        From amateur to pro, we are open to all. In the past, we have planned some exciting writing projects, including our anthology, a night of spoken word, writing retreats (Toronto Islands, rural cottages).  Our writing activities include timed-writes (a variety of timed-writing exercises to keep our creative juices flowing), and collegial workshopping of material members bring to the group (please bring 8 - 10 copies of your work to be critiqued).

        We like to encourage people to stay active in the spoken word community and scene. Several of us have performed at the Artbar poetry reading series, Night at the Indies indie artist showcase, Renaissance Café at Greenwood/Danforth, Pussy Pen at Tango's, and other such queer-positive spoken word venues across the city.

        Please feel free to email us with any questions about the group or the many upcoming events we have planned for the next few months. 

        Hope to see you at the next meeting!

Happy writing,

Terence
OUTwrites Facilitator