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For many years authors of GLBT romance novels who attended literary conferences had to contend with shouldering aside peer scorn, open discrimination, their promotional material removed from conference displays, and were denied equal treatment by some romance reviewers and review venues. But things are changing.
A few months ago, noted author, Laura Baumbach, gathered a group of fellow GLBT romance authors to explore forming a special interest chapter of the Romance Writers of America. While RWA has acknowledged this sub-genre of romance, there was never a chapter where authors of this sub-genre could meet to discuss issues and experiences that focused on their writing, promotional needs and publishing issues. Over 100 authors participated in the early discussions. Of that initial group, 39 RWA members formed a provisional chapter of RWA calling themselves the Rainbow Romance Writers.
As of April 29th, 2009, the Rainbow Romance Writers are no longer provisional but officially part of RWA! The following letter is the official announcement from Chapter President Jade Buchanan:
Rainbow Romance Writers is the newest Special Interest Chapter within the Romance Writers of America. A lot of hard work has gone into setting us up as a chapter, but we are very proud to announce that writers specializing in LGBT romance now have a specific place to network with other career-focused writers and concentrate on our unique needs within the romance genre.
Our goals are:
* to promote excellence in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender romances
* to help members become published in LGBT romances
* to be an advocate within the industry for our genre
* to be a resource to our members and others on writing and the publishing industry
We currently have 39 wonderful members who represent all different aspects of the LGBT romance genre.
Interested writers can contact us at: membership@rainbowromancewriters.com
If they would like to become members of Rainbow Romance Writers. They can also email me directly at jade.buchanan@yahoo.com
Huge congratulations goes out to everyone involved in making this happen, those in the new chapter and those at RWA who service the interest of the whole romance writing community!
http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com/
Comments
Thank you, Alan, for helping to spread the word on the progress and expanding RWA community. We're very proud of the accomplishment.
Laura and the other founders of the Rainbow Romance Writers have achieved something I didn't think was possible with RWA, and tehy have every right to be extremely proud of what they've accomplished. I've already joined and I wanted to thank you, Alan, for your terrific article. Hopefully this will bring in more members. The growing diversity in Romance Writers of America can only be good for the organization.
Kate Douglas
www.katedouglas.com
My thanks, Alan, for spreading this wonderful news! We are very lucky to have a talented group of authors within our chapter, and to also have a great group of supporters cheering us on!
Congratulations!! You will be great...after all, look who's already there.
Diversity is the spice of life!
Alan, good article. I'm so excited to hear about the new chapter with in RWA
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