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Literary Journal

Sinister Wisdom

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Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

Founded in 1976 by Catherine Nicholson and Harriet Desmoines, Sinister Wisdom is the longest-running lesbian literary and arts journal in the United States. Emerging from the feminist and lesbian-feminist movements of the 1970s, it was conceived as a space for writing that was often excluded from mainstream literary venues—work that was explicitly lesbian, experimental, and politically engaged. Over nearly five decades, it has published thousands of writers, artists, and thinkers, maintaining a commitment to diversity, radical inclusivity, and the belief that literature can be a tool for community-building and social change. The journal operates as a nonprofit and continues to be a vital archive of lesbian cultural production.

Editorial focus

Sinister Wisdom is a multicultural lesbian literary and art journal that publishes four issues each year. Publishing since 1976, Sinister Wisdom works to create a multicultural, multiclass lesbian space. Sinister Wisdom seeks to open, consider and advance the exploration of lesbian community issues. Sinister Wisdom recognizes the power of language to reflect diverse experiences and to enhance the ability to develop critical judgment as lesbians evaluating their community and the world.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeNo
PaymentContributor copies only
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Sinister Wisdom welcomes submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, and visual art from lesbian, queer, and feminist-identified creators. They particularly encourage work that is experimental, politically engaged, and reflective of diverse experiences within these communities. Before submitting, review recent issues to understand the journal's aesthetic and thematic range. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify them promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief bio and cover letter that contextualizes your work within the journal's mission. Response times can vary, so patience is advised. They also occasionally open calls for themed issues; check their website for current guidelines and deadlines.

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Submission calls

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Sinister Wisdom — Submissions

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Explore the publication through its past issues and volumes.

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