’It’s empowering to attend a space with other queer writers’

A national network for LGBTQ+ writers, Out on the Page is an organisation from Bristol connecting queer writers across the UK.

Bringing people together through writing retreats, monthly meetups and an online forum, the organisation started in 2018 by Bristol-based writer Paul Bradley-Cong.

“It can be isolating to be a queer and it can be isolating to be a writer,” says Paul. “Out on the Page provides connection and support, like signposting to queer-friendly agents and publishers.”

Paul stresses that Out on the Page is for all LGBTQ+ writers – “you can be a beginner, expert, wanting to take the next step or even have been published multiple times” – and the group attracts everyone from poets and scriptwriters, to gamers working on story arcs and fantasy novelists.

There are three branches to Out on the Page. The first, and most prominent, are the one-day writing retreats that take place throughout the country.

Starting in Bristol, there are now retreats in London, Manchester and beyond. “All the writers introduce themselves at the beginning. Then there will be a warmup exercise and time for writing. We’ll have a discussion in the afternoon, which often centres on the writing experience and the importance of queer voice.

“I always say to people that come: ‘Be bold. Write the thing you don’t think you should write.’ Because, often, that’s what needs to be written.”

Why don’t LGBTQ+ writers go to standard writing retreats? “It’s empowering to attend a space with other queer writers,” says Paul. “It important to be told ‘what you have to say as a queer person is valid and relevant’.”

Paul highlights that the aims of the retreats aren’t set in stone; they’re individual to each writer and that every attendee will have a different definition of what success is to them: “One person might be aiming to publish their work, another person might just be coming to write in a safe space with other queer people,” says Paul.

Writing retreats range in size, attracting eight to 20 writers.

Another part of Out on the Page is the regular writing meetups. In Bristol, Paul facilitates a free monthly group at Bishopton Library. “It’s very much directed by the group,” he says. “There will often be writing exercises, feedback and discussion.

“We’re really lucky as Bristol libraries have been really supportive in providing us a safe and comfortable space to meet.”

Lastly, there is an online forum of around 100 writers. It’s a safe space with an online directory of LGBTQ+-friendly agents, publishers and small presses. There’s also an area on the site for discussion between members and for connections and relationships to be formed.

Out on the Page has been growing organically and Paul says that the priority remains that members feel safe and supported.

“The best thing is that people feel safe, included and empowered,” he says. “Personally, the best thing for me is seeing people succeed, but see them succeed on their own terms – whether that’s publishing a novel or just writing with other queer people.”

Photos from Out on the Page’s Facebook page.

Find out more by visiting www.outonthepage.co.uk

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