Lit Mags of Resistance
Who is publishing work for advocacy and safety? We've got you.
The election in the United States and the calls of no confidence in the French and German governments highlight the need for creative work that advocates for what is right. We at Anodyne are focused on resistance. It’s in our name — being a salve for pain while resisting being an “anodyne” or being numb. We publish FLINTA* (LGBTQ + women) creatives only because we are the marginalized voices in the medical community. That’s all we talk about. The art is beautiful. The words are uplifting, sometimes sad, always strong.
We are not alone. Below is a list of magazines working to educate, advocate, and fight for the rights of all. We hope you’ll support them in the face of libraries closing and books being banned. Our voices will not be silenced.
PS — Anodyne Magazine is currently open for submission. Head on over to share your work of resistance.
Another Chicago Magazine
This independent literary magazine runs interviews with authors and publishes book reviews. They specifically aim to publish reviews with a sociopolitical angle and host quarterly public readings to build community and support.
Terrain
Peace. Climate. Justice. That’s their motto, and their series “Letters To America” is the battleground. These beautiful pieces aren’t just words of anger or upset, they are also words of love, compassion, and calls for community.
Radon
Radon magazine publishes SpecFic and Sci-Fi, the genres of some of the best resistance books out there (1984 anyone?). They explicitly state in their mission, “We are here to embody the wholesome values of anarchy (direct democracy, equality, free association, mutual-aid).” Hell yeah.
IhramPress
IHRAM began publishing books & literary magazines around human-rights topics, with authors and artists from all over the world. IhramPress is an indie publisher who champions for those who are oppressed or suppressed, from every corner of the globe. We recently started a yearly Quarterly Literary Magazine that includes poetry, short-stories, essays, and artwork, focusing on human-rights related themes.
The Fabulist
“Art saves lives and changes the world.” We sure agree with that! The Fabulist has published some politically hot content lately, and hosts live events in the Bay Area.
Exist Otherwise
A magazine that publishes on the topic of gender, identity, and trauma survivorship. We love the title and cheer the mission.
Breath & Shadow (Ability Maine)
A lit mag that publishes resources, poetry, fiction, and more in support of people with disabilities. The site also provides resources specific to those living in Maine, but publishes voices from around the world.
Many Worlds
manywor(l)ds is a quarterly online creative multimedia magazine centering queer, trans, intersex, two-spirit, Mad, disabled, neurodivergent, and crip experiences.
Aprosexia
A lit mag dedicated to publishing the ‘creative worlds’ of the neurodiverse. As fellow neurospicy publishers, we’re keen to follow their work.
Rough Cut Press
A journal dedicated to publishing LGBTQ+ voices. They also publish a regular series titled Artists TALK to share the creative processes of the community.
Plenitude Magazine
Plenitude Magazine is Canada’s only queer literary magazine. We promote the growth and development of LGBTQ2S+ literature through online publication of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, book reviews, and interviews by both emerging and established LGBTQ2S+ writers.
Foglifter
Foglifter is a biannual publication out of the Bay Area of San Francisco. It follows in the tradition of the Haight Ashbury LGBTQ+ community, publishing voices of resistance and change. They also have a press for full-length manuscripts.
Tangled Locks
Tangled Locks is a literary magazine that focuses on strong female characters in fiction. They have also been using their platform to seek out essays about women’s rights in an effort to document the experiences of women since the 2016 election. For many, both writing and reading these works has supported them through the challenges of regressive social and political power and helps to mobilize our efforts and feel more connected.
Bonus: The Taxonomy of Action
Pulled from Derrik Jensen’s book “Deep Green Resistance,” this workflow helps those feeling overwhelmed to transition into action. We recommend starting with supporting the above publications, but if you want to do more, this workflow will show you how.