Rituals 

In a world where traditions often feel automatic—where we find ourselves asking, Why do we do this?—there’s something powerful in reclaiming, recreating, and reimagining the meaning behind the rituals we choose to carry forward.

So much of what we do has become habitual, disconnected from its origins. From the way we celebrate milestones to the ways we gather as a community, rituals define and reinforce our identities. When we start asking why we do the things we do… sometimes the answers disturb us, sometimes they connect us. But in the end, rituals are how we give meaning to the everyday.

As a community, we’ve been excluded from certain rituals. Why do we follow traditions that were never meant for us?

What does it mean to embrace and subvert the rituals handed to us? How do we engage in these acts of Trans*formation? We believe that rituals have the power to both bind and liberate us.

This issue is an invitation to explore the rituals in your life and in our collective lives. What do we inherit, and what do we build? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe and how can we infuse the everyday with our own kind of magic?

We are asking why we follow certain traditions and whether they still serve us. How can we create new rituals that affirm our truths rather than confining us to a heteronormative script?

We want to hear about the rituals that matter to you—whether they’re personal or communal, practical or spiritual. What rituals do you live by, reject, or reimagine?

What new rituals will you create, and how will they shape the world we live in?

Submission Guidelines

Submission Fee: There is no fee to submit.

Payment: At this time, we cannot offer payment for published work.

Preferred Format:

• File Naming: Name your file in this format: LastNameFirstName_PieceTitle.

• Document Format: At the top of your document, include a word count, genre description, and any relevant content warnings. Please note: We reserve the right to add content warnings to your work when published.

Word Limit: We recommend keeping written pieces under 5 pages or under 1500 words.

Multiple Submissions: There’s no limit to the number of pieces you can submit. However, please submit one work per submission form. Each piece should be submitted separately to ensure it’s properly reviewed.

Mediums: We accept all printable mediums. If you’re unsure whether your piece fits, feel free to submit, and we’ll review it. We recommend becoming familiar with our tone and style by reading through our past issues, available digitally for free, and checking out our FAQ for more details on what we’re looking for.