A new year is upon us and some black LGBT writers (you know who you are our media darlings) are letting us know that it’s all about change.

Fire & Ink III: Cotillion is all over it. Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer writers of African descent are already making plans to head on down to Austin, Texas, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 11, 2009 for Fire & Ink III: Cotillion.

Since our first event in Chicago in 2002 through our upcoming national festival, Fire & Ink, Inc. has been recognized as the most influential supporter and advocate for LGBTQ writers of African descent.

We’ve asked people all over why they are coming to The Cotillion. Writer and UT Professor Dr. Matt Richardson will be there. “So much happens at Fire & Ink,” said Dr. Richardson. “You’re going to be really sad if you miss it.”

The theme of Cotillion was conceived to acknowledge that some of the best creative and cultural work being produced today is created, supported, and/or inspired by LGBT writers and artists of African descent.

Cotillion will create a one-of-a-kind experience where creative artists can meet and work together in an open and supportive environment that fosters the freedom to be who we are and encourages us to live to our best potential.

In a world where our contributions are often ignored, silenced or written out of history, Cotillion is our creative, declarative coming out festival where we as artists affirm the power and significance of our lives and our work.

GET THE PODCAST

http://fireandink.blip.tv/rss/itunes/
– or –
http://tinyurl.com/fire-inkpodcast

Download our Request for Proposals and get in on it! Fire & Ink: Cotillion will bring together hundreds of LGBT writers of African descent whose work spans the genres, including: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, multi-media arts and performance arts. Attendees include writers and scholars, as well as editors, publishers, curators, audio and visual artists, students, teachers, thinkers, media professionals, readers and art lovers.

Fire & Ink has already had a great deal of interest. You can help by submitting a <1,000 word abstract by January 6, 2009, to let us know what you’re thinking and ensure priority consideration.

Abstracts should be submitted by email to fireandink2009@yahoo.com.

For more information about Fire & Ink, Inc. visit www.fireandink.org.
For more information, download the full RFP here.
Come out, come out wherever you are!

Come make history with us!

How about you?
Why will you be there?
(Because you know you will.)
Send us your videos at fireandink2009@gmail.com
and tell us why you’re coming!

Writers, readers, publishers, critics, songwriters, screenwriters, artists, art lovers and culture vultures worldwide heard it here: Don’t just be there — bring it.