LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation
Our Goal
To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ authors & illustrators.
Our Action:
Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.
Craft & Education
Community & Resources
Testimonials from LGBTQIA2S+ community
“I soon realized I’d made the right decision. The enthusiasm of Rob, Lesléa, and everyone else in the class was so inspiring. As were the books. The vast possibilities for queer picture books spread before me. Weddings, fairytales, gender romps playing with clothes and pronouns, and much more. Stories told by buildings, stories told by cake toppers. Kyle Lukoff’s presentation got me thinking about books that are not so much about being queer as they are about queer people and their lives. Queer joy, not queer problems.” (C. Rowen MacCarald)
I met my agent, Linda Epstein, there! What a heavenly meeting! Together she has helped me develop my writing, and found a home for my next Anthology: Everything Under The Moon: Fairy tales in a queerer light (Affirm Press, Oct 2023). It’s only a matter of time before other things are placed! I live in Australia and found Highlights by accident (I needed a writers retreat in the USA close enough in time to the Winter Institute so I could apply for a grant to take me to both). It turned out to be the life changing part of the trip and now I can’t wait until I’m able to return. I adored my time there and have made many lasting connections.” (Michael Earp)
“My debut novel We Deserve Monuments was workshopped at Summer Camp in 2018. My next YA novel Thirsty was revised at a personal retreat. Every time I leave, I feel so renewed and inspired.” (Jas Hammonds)
“I got to meet with so many amazing folks and learn from them just by being in the same space.”
#HFGATHER: PRIDE & JOY, AN ANTIDOTE FOR ERASURE
Authors NoNieqa Ramos, Vicki Johnson, Alexandra Villasante, and author/illustrator Emily Rosenthal gathered together to talk about illuminating and joyous books that they’ve loved, and projects that have brought pride and joy to their lives, even in unexpected places. Em Dickson joined in conversation from the perspective of reader, writer, librarian, and founder of Pronouns May Vary.
Watch the reply here.
News and Resources
Scholarships for LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation
Blogs and Podcasts
10 Scary Books for Queer Teens to Feel Empowered Reading
3 Questions With Daria Peoples, Sarah Aronson and Chris Tebbetts About Making Progress on Your Creative Journey
3 Questions With Rob Costello and Nora Shalaway Carpenter About Writing Short Fiction
#HFGather: Pride & Joy, an Antidote for Erasure
Upcoming Programs Featuring LGBTQIA+ Voices On Faculty
Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers
Starts: May 14, 2024
Graphic Novels for Beginners: A Two-Night Mini for Writers and Illustrators
Starts: June 3, 2024
Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Young Adult Horror Writers
Starts: June 11, 2024
Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration
Starts: July 10, 2024
Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!
Starts: July 14, 2024
Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)
Starts: August 14, 2024
Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)
Starts: September 18, 2024
Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October)
Starts: October 17, 2024
Rainbow Retreat: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers
Starts: October 31, 2024
Get Involved
How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ authors and illustrators?
