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misfit gay lit and other queer shit​

 

producing new writing [and art] that goes beyond the mainstream

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​​getting ideas off the ground, collaborating, partying, experimenting, reading, thinking, getting stuff done and out there.

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what is dif ?

• a growing network of writers and artists working on solo and collaborative projects

• supported by a network of readers and audiences

• based in Bristol + a group in Manchester + online network covering 20+ countries

• lgbtq+ focussed

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are you going to publish writing ?

• yes - we are currently exploring options and intend to go to open call during 2025

• we're most interested in writers and artists producing quality work that might be described as misfit or beyond the mainstream

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how do you work with artists ?

• we're exploring the intersections with writers, developing collaborations, but we're also interested with artists who work with words and artists who can complement our vibe.

• we are very interested to hear from street artists and djs and artists who work around design

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who are dif ?​

• sam jenks had the original idea and facilitated the research sessions with other writers and artists - he co-produces with members of our network on dif projects

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do I have to be gay, queer or lgbtq+ to join dif ?

• no - everyone who is for LGBTQ+ is welcome. if you feel like you belong here - you're probably right.

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what is the vibe?

• our dif studios mood page below gives you a good idea of where we are at

• + check out our manifesto further down this page​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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​​​​​​​​​how can I get involved with dif ?

so many ways! we are by definition fluid and project based. have a read around the website - get in touch. for example you could

• join our bristol, manchester or online groups

• access our writer studio in bristol (for up to 4 writers at any one time)

• connect your readers group with us or be a reader for one of our writers

• propose a project idea - it could be almost anything such as a one day festival - a book launch - a show - a workshop - retreat - your own dif group where you live

• apply for an online or in-person residency

• offer us a residency with you, your group or organisation

• publish a white label with us

• have 1:1s or mentorship from our producer Sam Jenks or someone else in the network

• do a volunteer/placement/internship with us - we need certain skills - we’ve got skills and experience to share

• collaborate with us - including if you’re an agent, publisher or gallery.

 

 

how do I become a dif network member ?

​anyone actively involved in our network or projects is invited to become a member - membership is free - then you can.​​

• be listed publicly on our webpage

• access forthcoming network events online and in-person such as our zoom check-in groups and whatsapp chat areas.​

• ​dif buy me a coffee supporter members [£2 per month] are also invited to many of our network activities. its a great way to support our development and be involved.​

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how is dif funded ?

• ​we're totally independent and plan to remain that way

• everything we currently do to run dif is with our own time

• we are diy and low budget orientated but we also believe writers and artists need some money to live on and we build that into our project designs

• donations are crucial to us to help with basic running costs – you can donate via our buy us a coffee page from as little as £2

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​how else can I support dif ?​

• buy any books through our affiliate page on bookshop dot org  and we get 10% of the sale price to help fund our projects

• buy our merchandise

• subscribe for free updates

• follow us on Instagram, threads or bluesky

• tell people about us

• donate a physical book or work of art to our dif library-gallery - it could be your own work or someone else's

• commission us to develop a project for you

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buy any book via our dif library page and you'll be supporting us at the same time

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​dif manifesto

these ideas that came out of our network research hangouts in autumn 2024

coproduce

do it ourselves 

​writers readers artists allowed to dream the impossible

paint it up - type it out - do it by hand - by mouth - touch it

orientation disorientation

genre- free

catalyse

writer-artist led

loved-up on books

queer writers are different - queer writing is different

collaborate

experiment along the edge

rough is a style

join us inside the outside

controverse transgress intersect

voices of the fucked over

overlooked by the mainstream

break boundaries of language and geography

wherever the words land

hangouts hotspots studios

readers up close and personal

countercult subculture

dirty like homobloc

going all the way

scratch and sample

trying to build utopias has to be done - the future takes us beyond the present

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​if you're excited by what dif are doing please support us or get in touch with your ideas.

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