As the section editor for The Queer Experience, I invite you to submit a chapter proposal for consideration to be included in The American Research Handbook on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, an edited scholarly volume that examines the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion within American democracy and educational institutions.

The Queer Experience section seeks rigorous, thoughtful, and evidence-based analyses that examine gender identity, sexuality, intersectionality, and the evolving role(s) of queer people in society at the present moment.

As an onslaught of anti-gay and anti-trans political activity poses significant threat to the hard-earned rights of queer individuals, submissions are invited that reflect on the discourse of queer resilience and resistance as well as barriers and triumphs. 

All thematic sections of this volume include:

•  The African American Experience – Examining historical and contemporary challenges, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in the U.S.

• The Queer Experience – Exploring the lived realities, systemic barriers, and triumphs within LGBTQ+ communities.

• The Women's Experience – Investigating gender equity, intersectionality, and the evolving role of women in society.

• The Disability Experience – Addressing accessibility, representation, and the fight for inclusion in education, employment, and public life.

• The White Rural Experience – Analyzing the intersections of race, class, and geographic isolation/marginalization in understanding DEI efforts.

• The First-Gen Experience – Examining and investigating, analyzing, and exploring the diverse multicultural impact of first-gen students on the campus experience.

• The Native American and Indigenous Peoples Experience - Examining historical and contemporary challenges, resilience, and contributions of Native American communities in the U.S.

• The Latinx and Hispanic Experience - Examining historical and contemporary challenges, resilience, and contributions of Latinx and Hispanic communities in the U.S.

Please note that we will also accept poetry or art submissions as chapter bookends for submissions that align with the chapters.

Submission Guidelines

We welcome proposals from both seasoned and emerging authors who are passionate about contributing to this dynamic discourse. 

Proposals should include:

• A title and a 300–500-word abstract outlining the focus, significance, and approach of the proposed chapter.

• A brief biography (150 words) highlighting your expertise and experience.

• Contact information (preferred email address), including institutional or organizational affiliation (if applicable).

• All proposals must be written following the 7th Edition of the APA Manual.

• If your proposal is accepted, final submissions should not exceed 5000 words, which is equivalent to about 20 pages.

Key Dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: By June 15, 2026

• Full Chapter Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026

Why Contribute?

This handbook will serve as an essential resource for educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders committed to building a more inclusive future. Your work will not only contribute to scholarly discourse but will also shape policies and practices in higher education and beyond. We encourage you to bring your research, policy development, creativity, and lived experiences to this volume. Whether through academic inquiry, poetry, cultural expression, or storytelling, your voice is needed in this critical dialogue.

Please send all The Queer Experience submissions to Julian Quesenberry 2august4ever@gmail.com , with subject line: Last Name | First Name | Submission: Research Handbook on DEI | The Queer Experience

If you would like to contribute to other sections of the Handbook, please contact James Bridgeforth at bridgeforth@vt.edu<mailto:bridgeforth@vt.edu> for section editor contact information.

Together, let’s create a transformative resource that redefines how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in America.