NewPages Blog :: Magazines

While its name exudes a playfully inviting quality, Fruitslice: A Queer Quarterly has established a solid foundation upon which to build “a living archive of contemporary Queer life,” the editors assert. “Fruitslice documents the stories, voices, and experiences that mainstream spaces often overlook. We believe in dismantling colonialist, capitalist, and exclusionary frameworks that have historically dominated the publishing world. Through each issue, we amplify Queer creativity with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices, especially those of BIPOC, disabled, and Trans creators. Our work is as much about preserving our present as it is about imagining and building liberatory futures.”

This inclusion extends to the publication’s encouraging submissions from all genres, with particular interest in prose, essays, and creative nonfiction, as well as printable mediums including visual and arts formats (no audio/video at this time). Issues are timed to release quarterly with each solstice and are always free and open-access online through ISSUU, with no paywall. Fruitslice is also available in collectible print issues for individual purchase.

Collective Credentials

While Fruitslice maintains a full staff of editors, their process is “deeply collaborative, rooted in techniques that prioritize community-driven creativity over rigid structures. Rather than adhering to a singular editing style,” the editors explain, “we focus on what resonates with and reflects the voices of our contributors and readers. We believe that storytelling and literature are tools to foster connection, understanding, and bring Queer people together in meaningful ways.

“Our editorial team brings a diverse range of expertise and creative backgrounds to Fruitslice. Together, we hold degrees in fields such as literature, creative writing, film production, screenwriting, performance, and visual arts, with academic affiliations including Columbia University, Portland State University, Cornish College of the Arts, and Drew University. Our editors have worked across various disciplines, from leading roles in literary journals, like The Portland Review, to contributions in magazines, such as Art Chowder and Eleven PDX.

“Our editors are writers, artists, and community builders who share a commitment to amplifying Queer voices. This ethos drives every issue we publish, a collective effort to document and celebrate Queer creativity while fostering meaningful connections through art.”

Editorial Process: Consistency and Care

For writers and artists contributing works, the editors approach every submission with this same philosophy of care and collaboration. “Our editorial process is designed to be both rigorous and personal,” the editors detail, “ensuring that every piece receives thoughtful attention while honoring the unique voice of each contributor.”

Submissions are received through Submittable and are first reviewed by a team of designated readers. “While many readers also take on additional roles, such as reviewers, editors, or proofreaders, their primary responsibility during this stage is to conduct the initial review of each piece. Each piece is evaluated based on an internal rubric, and team members submit detailed review forms to guide discussions. Pieces that move forward are then evaluated by our leadership team for a second review. Any final decisions on uncertain pieces are made by the Editor-in-Chief, ensuring every submission is handled with consistency and care.”

Collaboration continues through the editing phase as accepted pieces are assigned to a designated editor, who works closely with the contributor through multiple rounds of feedback, as needed. “This personalized process focuses on collaboration rather than prescriptive editing,” the editors assure, “allowing the author’s voice and vision to remain central to the work. At Fruitslice, we provide feedback as suggestions rather than mandates, aligning with our philosophy of amplifying rather than altering the contributor’s voice.”

The response time for this kind of thoughtful attention to submissions is 45-60 days.

Queer Language & Norm Challenging

Fruitslice offers contributors a working style guide that “outlines principles and practices that Queer language and challenge traditional norms. It serves as a tool for guidance, not restriction,” the editors assure, “and is available to the public on our website for anyone interested in exploring our approach. We encourage contributors to engage with the guide to align their work with our mission, but adherence is never a requirement for publication. Requiring strict adherence would contradict the guide’s purpose as a living document as a tool to resist the rigid systems that often silence marginalized voices. Our priority is honoring the authenticity of each piece while fostering a sense of connection and resonance within the larger community.”

Consuming Fruitslice

For readers, Fruitslice is equal parts a literary magazine and a lifestyle magazine. “We have short fiction and poetry, but we also have thoughtful essays on pop culture, technology, politics, and Queer culture. Each issue of Fruitslice features work from around 60 Queer artists, with the majority of our content curated from open call submissions. However, we’re not a traditional literary magazine. We also include staff-written pieces, which allow us to balance genres, explore diverse topics, and fully develop the story we aim to tell with each selected theme. This hybrid model ties the issue together, ensuring cohesion and depth. Staff-written pieces, decided through an internal pitch process, often include artist features, interviews, and other content that’s harder to source through open call submissions.”

Recent contributors include Ais Russel, Anya Jiménez, Amritha York, Ann McCann, Cam Reid, Em Buth, Hamish Bell, Jill Young, Kayla Thompson, Kelsey Smoot, Kenna DeValor, Lorinda Boyer, Meg Streich, Nyanjah Charles, Nico Wilkinson, René Zadoorian, Roman Campbell, Rhyker Dye, Starly Lou Riggs, and Taylor Michael Simmons.

Existing Boldy

With any new venture, there is always a learning curve. Fruitslice editors reflect on their fresh experience as newbies with the insight of an ancient. “The greatest lesson we’ve learned in starting this publication is the power of embracing imperfection. Waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ or feeling ‘perfectly qualified’ can be a form of self-sabotage, particularly for those who have been socialized to constantly question our place at the table.

“The studies showing that cis straight white men routinely pursue opportunities they’re only partially qualified for, benefiting from what we’ve come to see as a ‘productive delusion,’ an unshakeable confidence born of never having their presence questioned. We all deserve access to that kind of audacious belief in ourselves. We deserve to take up space, to make mistakes publicly, to learn as we go, and to value our unique perspectives even when — especially when — they challenge the mainstream.

“Like identity, creative work isn’t about achieving a fixed, perfect state, it’s about existing boldly in spaces of transition and transformation. Every cycle, we move forward with the publication before we feel ‘ready.’ We’ve learned that the most meaningful work often happens in these uncomfortable spaces where we dare to create despite our doubts. There will never be a perfect moment, and this publication will never be perfect, and that’s precisely what makes it vital, authentic, and true.”

“Queering” the Indie Publication Scene

Fruitslice holds an important place in our collective culture, not just for today, but also establishing a foothold for the future. “To ‘Queer’ something means to reimagine it beyond traditional systems,” the editors explain. “At Fruitslice, we’re doing more than just publishing Queer voices, we’re fundamentally rethinking how a publication can operate. Here’s how:

“First, we’re challenging what ‘professional’ publishing looks like. Our editorial process celebrates imperfection and values authentic expression over rigid grammar rules. We don’t just accept submissions, we build relationships with our contributors, working collaboratively to help their vision shine through while respecting their unique voice and style.

“Second, we’re reimagining growth. While other publications may chase rapid expansion and profit, we prioritize sustainable, community-centered development. This means sometimes moving slower to ensure no one burns out, valuing collective care over productivity, and making sure our growth serves our community rather than the other way around.

“Third, we’re Queering what leadership looks like. Our organizational structure embraces multiple ways of contributing and leading. We recognize that the best ideas often come from questioning traditional hierarchies and empowering everyone to shape our direction, regardless of their role or experience level.”

This matters, the editors impress, because “traditional publishing often excludes marginalized voices not just through who they publish, but through their entire approach to what makes writing ‘good’ or ‘professional.’ By Queering these systems, we’re creating space for voices, stories, and ways of working that have been historically silenced or deemed ‘unprofessional.’ We’re proving that a publication can be both high-quality and radically inclusive, both structured and fluid, both ambitious and sustainable.

“This isn’t just about making space within existing systems, it’s about building something new together, something that celebrates the messy, beautiful reality of Queer creativity in all its forms.”