Just For Us - Call for Submissions
Issue 21.2, Fall 2009
Deadline for Submission- July 29th, 2009
Deadline for Intent to Submit- July 6th, 2009
Focus on Faith and Spirituality

JFU is the only publication dedicated to the words, thoughts, pt montara lighthouseopinions, and experiences of people with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer parent(s)-and we want to hear from YOU!

The next issue of JFU will focus on the topic of faith and spirituality, and the role they play in the lives of COLAGErs of all beliefs, be it an organized religion, paganism, agnosticism or atheism. Faith and spirituality are complex topics and impact governmental policies that affect LGBTQ families. They are for some COLAGErs a source of community and support while, for others, they are a cause of strife or challenge. For many, our beliefs and practices are used as vehicles for change and acceptance

We are looking for articles, poetry, interviews, art, and more from youth and adults who have (or had) one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender, and/or queer parent/s. The following are just a few topics that you could address:

What roles do faith and spirituality play in your everyday life?
What do faith and spirituality mean to you?
How has being a COLAGEr impacted your decision to either practice or not practice a religion? What are both positive and negative experiences you have had with religious institutions or beliefs as a COLAGEr?
An account of a personal journey to reevaluate the roles faith and spirituality play in your life;
How faith and spirituality can be used as a form of inclusion and exclusion for people with LGBTQ families;
Discussion on why you affiliate with a certain belief and how it's affected your world view.

Submissions may take several formats-share your personal stories, essays, interviews, poems, (two-dimensional) artwork, and ideas. We will work with you to make sure your story is told in your own words, the way you want it-you, the contributor, have final approval of your piece before it goes to print. You can submit a finished piece or let us interview you-it's up to you. Please limit your pieces to 500 words or less.

Let us know ASAP if you would like to work on a piece for Just for Us by July 6th (just tell us the basic format and focus for your proposed piece). The deadline for submissions is July 29th, 2009. Please send all questions, comments and submissions to jfu@colage.org. We can't wait to hear from you!