The editors of a new anthology call for submissions on the experiences of significant others, family members, friends and allies (SOFFAs) of transgender and/or gender variant individuals. The feelings, emotional processes and experiences of those in relationships with transgender and/or gender variant individuals are seldom acknowledged. That’s why this anthology is so important as a resource and an educational book. This particular call seeks quality “think-alouds” that are reflections on the experience of being in a relationship with a transgender and/or gender variant loved one.
Our vision for the anthology is not solely focused on partners, but the transitional experiences of those in relationships with transgender persons.
We are interested in personal narratives, stories and reflections from significant others, family members, friends, allies, co-workers, teachers, medical professionals and clergy who are in relationships with transgender and/or gender variant individuals. Give us your inner dialogues, theories, practices, joys, coming-out stories, challenging moments and transformative events. We are seeking a multiplicity of voices tackling the intersections of relationships and transgender and/or gender variant identities with sexuality, race, religion, spiritual affiliation, socio-economic status, ability, etc.
We are looking for thoughtful and authentic responses of 1,500-6,000 words. Only respectful submissions will be considered; however, we expect pieces to document a range of experiences and emotions including confusion, joy, frustration, pain, happiness, identity struggles, fear, anger, anxiety and love.
Submissions must be sent as Word files with text in 12 point Times New Roman font and should be previously unpublished, 1,500-6,000 words in length and typed double-spaced. You may submit multiple pieces. All submissions must include a 55-65 word biography to appear in the contributors’ notes section if your work is accepted. No previously published or simultaneously submitted material without prior approval.
Please send submissions to submissions@soffaanthology.com. Include your name, pseudonym if you have one you wish to use, address, phone number, email and bio you would like to appear in the book if your selection is chosen for publication. Put your name and the title of the piece in the subject field of the email.
This anthology is slated to be published by Homofactus Press in 2012. Final contributors will receive a one-time $25.00 payment and one complimentary copy of the final publication. Final contributors may also purchase books at a 40% discount.
The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2010.
The editors and longtime friends, C.T Whitley and Eleanor A. Hubbard, Ph.D. have extensive personal and professional experience with the transgender and/or gender variant community. While working on his undergraduate degree, C.T. founded a student support/social group for transgender and gender non-conformers. He has served as a board member for several non-profit organizations advocating for transgender awareness and equality. Utilizing his passion for social awareness and trans issues, he has presented at several national conferences and been published in a collection of anthologies.
Eleanor A. Hubbard, a retired Senior Instructor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has taught about trans and gender variant issues for over 20 years. She was renowned for her courses relating to the intersections of sex, gender, sexuality, race and the media. She is also the Founder and CEO of DiversityWorks, providing training and consulting on diversity issues in the workplace. Eleanor and C.T. joined forces to create this resource as they both recognized a gap in the literature to help significant others, family members, friends and allies come to terms with the transition or gender non-conformity of a loved one.
More information here.
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