CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Bloody Transitions: QTIBIPOC Voices on Peri/Menopause (an anthology)

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishing

Editors: M’kali-Hashiki, Syd Yang

Publishing Date: early 2024

Due Date for submissions: March 1, 2023

Submission Details: 

Seeking non-fiction prose, essays, personal stories or poetry for an upcoming Anthology on QTIBIPOC Experiences with Peri/Menopause. 

Traditional or mainstream narratives around menopause blatantly omit the experiences of Queer, Trans/Non-Binary, Intersex, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (QTIBIPOC) bodies. Additionally, the emergence of non-traditional, more inclusive narratives either omit the BIPOC experience or do not intentionally center the queer and trans lived experience. This makes it difficult for those of us who live at the intersections of those lived experiences to access appropriate care and a full understanding of our bodies and their transitions. This anthology aims to both expand the narrative of “menopause” and create an opportunity for community based healing and resilience. Our bodies and our experiences matter. 

The anthology will be organized in three sections, each with a wide range of stories, essays and perspectives. We very much invite in pieces that write at the intersection of multiple lived experiences, such as: age, sexuality, cultural identity, chronic illness, disability, gender, class, mental health, neurodivergence, immigration status, geography, access to medical care/insurance, etc. 

We firmly believe: 

  • Peri/menopause is experienced in more than just “older” bodies

  • A variety of genders can experience peri/menopause

  • There is no one way or one age/period of life to experience peri/menopause

  • Your lived experience is valid and enough

  • Sharing our stories, reclaiming the diversity of our experiences, and reaffirming the physical body as sacred are practices of decolonization 

No previously published works. 

(Some exceptions may apply for previously self-published works. Please reach out if you have any questions about this.)

The following are some guiding questions. These are only suggestions. Expand on and/or respond to section topics as you are inspired to share. 

Section 1: Culture + Peri/Menopause

  • What are the messages you have been told / not told around peri/menopause? 

  • How do cultural frameworks that you are connected to support or challenge your experiences? 

  • How are you experiencing peri/menopause and hormonal changes within the constraints of social cultures (ableist culture, diet culture, white supremacist culture, etc.)

Section 2: Gender + Peri/Menopause 

  • How is/was peri/menopause affecting your understanding of your own gender? 

  • What in this process has been unexpected / annoying / exciting? 

  • Are there physical changes that are complicating your gender experience? 

  • As you are aging, what terms are you claiming for yourself? Crone? Auntie? Elder? Etc. How do these (mis)align with your gender?

  • What has been your experience with gender and medical care and peri/menopause and/or shifting hormones?

Section 3: Sex + Desire + Menopause

  • What evolutions have you experienced regarding sex and desire? 

  • How is your relationship to your sexual and/or reproductive body changing for you?

  • How have your ideas of libido and desire shifted? 

  • What are your thoughts / fears / questions around sex and desire?

  • What role is peri/menopause taking up in your intimate relationships, including with yourself? 


There are so many different topics that could be included in this anthology. The above are just a few ideas. The editors are looking forward to hearing your stories and sharing your voice with others. This is the first time our stories will be shared in this form and we are so excited to have this opportunity to bring this critical resource to the world. 

Compensation: We are able to offer one (1) copy of the book for each contributor. We will be doing some fundraising as well to be able to provide some financial compensation for contributors, however we are unable to name an amount at this time.

Word count: 2000 word maximum.

Please include a 50-100 word bio about yourself.

How to Submit:

Click on the “Submit your piece” button at the top or bottom of this page. This will take you to a Google form to fill out — with instructions and details on what is needed to submit. Please provide submissions in .doc format.

Submissions are due MARCH 1, 2023

All other inquiries: please contact M’kali-Hashiki and Syd: bloodytransitionsanthology@gmail.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS:

M’kali-Hashiki (she/her) is a Badass Femme who is currently navigating her 50s. Black, Fat, kinky, poly, she’s spent the last 5 years dealing with changes in her cycle and all that comes with it. As a Sacred Somatic Storyteller, Eros Educator and Renegade Sexual Mystic, she helps folx heal their erotic wounds and move further along in their path to individual & our collective erotic liberation.

Syd Yang (they/them) is at the cusp of 50 and uncovering all sorts of magic at this threshold. As a queer trans/non-binary, mixed race, Taiwanese American healer + writer, Syd weaves together magic, possibility + intention in their work with individuals and small groups. For close to 20 years, Syd has been supporting healing + body liberation in life-affirming ways, rooting deep into their cultural, ancestral and indigenous practices. As someone who lives with depression and anxiety, and has recovered from a decades long relationship with bulimia, the work and medicine they share with the world centers the voices and lived experiences of queer, trans, non-binary folks of color and finds its resonance at the intersection of memory, bodies, sexuality and mental health.

Most recently, Syd's writing can be found in Q+A: Voices from Queer Asian North America (2021; Temple University Press) and as a part of the Boundaries collection (2021) of the Color Bloq journal. Syd was a 2016 VONA Fellow. They have been published in a variety of queer, trans, feminist and Asian American publications over the years. They self-published their first memoir: Release: A Bulimia Story in 2019 (under the name Stephanie Syd Yang) and authored several books prior to that in partnership with non profit organizations on young women's leadership and philanthropy within communities of color.  IG: @bluejaguarlove and @bodyliberationchaplain