Lavender Rising is the monthly magazine from Once Upon A Queer Publishing, created to spotlight the voices, visions, and artistry of the LGBTQ+ community. Every issue brings together short stories, poems, essays, and artwork that celebrate queer creativity in all its forms—bold, vulnerable, funny, defiant, and unapologetically authentic.

What You’ll Find Inside

Short Stories – Five original queer stories each month, from under-1,000-word flash fiction to longer works that unfold across the page.

Poetry – A showcase of queer poets whose words spark, soothe, and challenge.

Essays – Thoughtful reflections, personal narratives, and bold explorations of queer life and imagination.

Artwork – Visual pieces that bring new worlds to life, with the first-place artist featured on the cover of every issue.

For Readers

If you love discovering fresh queer voices, Lavender Rising offers a monthly collection that feels like opening a treasure chest—stories that resonate, poems that linger, and artwork you’ll want to hang on your wall. Every issue is carefully curated to bring you both rising talent and unique perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.

For Creators

Once Upon A Queer Publishing invites queer writers and artists to share their voices in our monthly contests for short stories, poetry, essays, and artwork. Each month, the top five winners in every category are published in our magazine, Lavender Rising—a space dedicated to showcasing bold, diverse, and authentic queer creativity.

Flash fiction under 1,000 words is published in full, while longer works are featured with an excerpt and link. The first-place artist is spotlighted on the cover of that issue, and one outstanding submission across all categories earns the Grand Prize of $200. More than just a contest, it’s a chance to be seen, celebrated, and connected with readers who value LGBTQ+ voices.

Why Lavender Rising?

We chose lavender because it’s long been a symbol of queer identity, resistance, and pride. Just as lavender thrives in unlikely places, so do the voices in our pages—resilient, daring, and full of life.