Co-Directors Nancy Klepsch and Shawn McCann, in collaboration with TAP, Inc. and the NYS Writers Institute, warmly invite submissions for the 2025 Queer Poetry Prize & Mural Contest.
Recognizing that this poetry prize is even more important than ever, writers are encouraged to reflect, celebrate, and explore the theme of Queer Joy in their work. The winner’s poem will be mounted on the south wall of TAP, Inc.’s building at 210 River Street in Troy to celebrate Pride Month.
Each entrant may submit up to three original poems following these guidelines:
- 12 lines per poem, maximum
- No more than 10 words per line
- Please be sure your work aligns with the theme of Queer Joy!
- Please submit poems as attachments with no identifying information on the poem document
Email your submission to: [email protected]. Please include your full name, email address, phone number, and website (if applicable) in the body of the email.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, June 5, 2025, by midnight.
The New York State Writers Institute has partnered with TAP, Inc. to provide cash prizes for the Queer Poetry Prize as a way to see, recognize and celebrate the poetry of Queer, Non-binary, and Transgender poets with an emphasis on members of the Queer, Non-binary, and Transgender poetry community.
- 1st Prize: $200 & Poem printed for temporary wheat paste installation on the south wall of TAP, Inc. on River Street.
- 2nd Prize: $100
- 3rd Prize: $75
The organizers proudly center Non-binary, Queer, and Transgender poets in this contest, and look forward to reading your words.
Thank you to TAP, Inc.(Facebook, Instagram) and the NYS Writers Institute (Facebook, X, Instagram) for their continued support on this project.
