Call for Submissions: Radical Catalyst

Radical Catalyst is a queer feminist art and literary journal committed to igniting change through the fusion of art, writing, and critical thought. We elevate voices that challenge the status quo, offering a platform for bold social and political critiques, feminist and queer theory, and compelling commentary on the urgent issues of our time. Through a diverse array of creative expressions—from art and poetry to opinion essays and short stories—we aim to fuel the transformative energy needed to shape a more just and equitable world.

In a society increasingly shaped by control over bodies, borders, labor, language, and love, we are seeking works that reflect on the persistence of and trauma enacted by forces that deny autonomy and works that reclaim power and self-determination. What does it look like to lack agency? How do individuals and communities assert autonomy in the face of systems designed to suppress it? What does it mean to break free?

From bodily autonomy to collective liberation, from Indigenous self-governance to queer and disabled futures, this issue will explore the many dimensions of autonomy: personal, political, creative, and more.

Send us your poetry, prose, short stories, essays, art, and other creative works that speak to this theme. We are especially interested in radical marginalized voices that are often silenced or ignored and are seeking works that push the boundaries of form and thought, reclaim language and power, and challenge the status quo. If it's been called "too much," "too angry," or "too radical" it might be exactly what we're looking for.

We accept:

Flash Fiction
Short Stories
Poetry
Prose
Essays
Manifestos
Memoirs
Art
Photography

Do NOT submit works that:

• Are not titled

• Have previously been published

• Include copyrighted material

• Are racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic, etc.

• Are AI generated in part or in full

Editorial & Notification Process

Submitted works go through up to 3 rounds of review with our editorial team. Works that make it past the final round and are approved by the Editor-in-Chief will go forward to publication. This process can take up to 4-6 weeks after the submission window for the issue closes. You will receive a separate email with the status of each piece you submitted. Do not worry if you receive the status of one piece but not the other, as it may still be going through our process.

If accepted, authors and artists must confirm within 7 days of notification of acceptance that they still wish for their piece to be published and sign our publishing agreement.

Compensation

Unfortunately, Radical Catalyst is not a paying publication. However, your work will be featured in a digital version of the issue, archived on our website, and on social media. 

Issue 1.3 is unthemed. Deadline: Oct. 26, 2025

Submit your work here.