Are you a trans or gender-creative teen looking for a space to create, collaborate, and be heard? Want to shape what gets published, uplift other youth, and co-create a lit mag made by and for your community?

We’re building our BACK/TALK Winter 2025 Editorial Board, and we want you on it.

What is the editorial board?

The BACK/TALK Editorial Board is a small, rotating crew of trans and gender-diverse youth (ages 15–18) who help lead the creative direction of each issue. As an editorial board member, you’ll help:

  • Read and select submissions for the Winter 2025 issue
  • Shape the theme and editorial vision for the issue
  • Give feedback on drafts, layouts, and designs
  • Spotlight your community through interviews or short writing
  • Collaborate with trans artists and writers across the country
  • Build publishing and creative skills in a youth-led, trans-centered space

No publishing experience needed—just your voice, perspective, and commitment to showing up.

What’s the time commitment?

  • Applications due: Friday, June 13, 2025
  • Invitations sent out to selected applicants by: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Editorial board runs: August 1 – December 15, 2025
  • Meetings: 2x per month via Zoom (we'll be flexible in scheduling!)
  • Total time commitment: ~6-8 hours/month

You’ll also get access to optional skill-building workshops on editing, art direction, and storytelling.

Is it paid?

Yes. We believe your labor deserves compensation.

Each Editorial Board member will receive a $1000 honorarium at the close of the Winter 2025 cycle.

Who should apply?

The BACK/TALK Editorial Board is open to any trans or gender-creative youth ages 15-18 based in the United States. We especially encourage applications from:

  • Black, Indigenous, and youth of color
  • Disabled youth
  • Neurodivergent youth
  • Youth in the South, Midwest, or rural areas
  • Anyone who’s ready to build something together

You do not need to be out publicly to apply—we’ll keep your information confidential unless you tell us otherwise.

How to apply:

Fill out our application (linked here) by Friday, June 13, 2025.

We’ll ask:

  • A few questions about who you are and why you want to join
  • What schedule/access needs you have
  • (Optional) a creative sample—writing, art, comics, zines, etc.

Heads up: This application takes about 20–30 minutes to complete. You don’t have to rush—take your time and come back if needed.

If you prefer to answer some of the application questions another way, you’re welcome to send us a voice memo or short video (2–5 minutes) instead of typing out your responses. You can talk about who you are, why you want to join, what creative resistance means to you—whatever feels true and real.

Instructions for alternative submissions:

  • Email your file to genderriotpress@gmail.com
  • Subject line: BACKTALK Editorial Board Application – [Your Name]
  • You can upload the file to Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link, or just attach the file—we’ll make it work.
  • If you’re submitting a voice memo or video in response to any part of this form, just make a quick note in the box (like: “see video submission”) so we know where to look.

Why join?

Because your voice matters. Because trans youth are not just under attack—we are also creating the future. BACK/TALK isn’t just a magazine—it’s a collective rebellion, and it needs your perspective.

Build with us. Reject the stories being written for you. Say what needs to be said.

Need help or have questions before applying?

Email us at genderriotpress@gmail.com.