We invite proposals for an anthology about drag in Appalachia. The collection aims to explore drag’s artistry, history, and cultural power. We welcome scholars, performers, and community storytellers whose work illuminates the region’s queer lineages, traditions, politics, creativity, and beyond. We especially invite pieces that examine drag as labor, community care, spiritual practice, historical reclamation, or engagement with Appalachia’s diverse cultural landscapes.

Submissions may take the form of creative nonfiction, journalistic, and academic essays as well as visual art and photographs. We encourage submissions from emerging and established voices alike, especially drag performers, BIPOC populations, and trans and nonbinary people. Together, we hope to highlight how Appalachian drag reshapes narratives of gender, place, tradition, and belonging—and to celebrate the queens, kings, performers, and queer creatives who animate the region.

Please use this Google form to submit a 250-word abstract and a brief bio in one email to Beck Banks at bbanks@warren-wilson.edu and Jacob Kopcienski at kopcienski.jacob@gmail.com by August 1st, 2026. Acceptance decisions will be made on a rolling basis, with final decisions by August 15, 2026. The deadline for completed work is December 15th, 2026. A university press is actively interested in this project. 

Targets for types of submissions:

• Poetry and creative writing (250-1000 words)

• Photography with accompanying captions and essays 

• personal and journalistic essays (1500-3000 words)

• Interview transcripts (1500-3000 words)

• Long-form historical or cultural writing (4000-5000)