briars lit is a new anthology for queer fairy tales, whether short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or hybrid work. briars lit publishes these queer tales in each of the various forms that they may take.

Briars are traditionally cut away, from the thorns off of roses to branches slashed back in forests. In the same sense, queer people and queer tales have been historically cut out of narratives, including fantastical narratives such as fairy tales. At briars lit, we value the beauty in what has been seen as dangerous, and hope to create a space where the importance of briars in nature can be re-emphasized.

At the same time, when not trimmed, briars can be powerful forces—the stolen rose for Beauty and the forest of brambles surrounding Sleeping Beauty are notable examples, and there is the same amount of power in queer tales.

See the beauty in briars and do not be afraid. Submit.