To celebrate the last day of Banned Books Week, let's discuss The Poet X. Written by Elizabeth Acevedo, this book is a series of chronologically sequenced poems that tell the story of an adolescent girl coming of age in Brooklyn who uses poetry as an escape from the mounting chaos around her.

Listed among the most banned books in recent years, Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo follows the coming-of-age journey of Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teenager, as she discovers her lesbian identity.

Maurice Sendak's novel, "Where the Wild Things Are" has a reputation for earning a Caldecott Medal, adaptations across short films, a movie, an opera, and—since it was first published in 1963—a series of bans across the American South.

What are you most excited to see in our first issue?

- Works from Palestinian creators

- Radical calls to action in art

- Depictions of strong communities

- Writing representing international perspectives

We know that within the last month, Trump began his circus performance: shooting missiles at Iran and potentially throwing America into war, proposing bills to hurt the average citizen and encroach on their rights, and saying whatever he wants without thinking about the consequences.

We know that many Americans no longer feel the patriotic spirit of America and did not celebrate the 4th of July this past weekend, and understandably so. But let's take that energy and put it into action!

Slowly, the digital world has been replacing the physical. Streaming services have overtaken blu-rays and DVDs, Apple Pay has replaced material cards, and e-books have outpaced physical books. However, now more than ever, the importance of collecting physical copies has surged.

Our Editor-in-Chief has been hard at work sending update emails about submitted pieces. Still wondering if your piece has been accepted? You may have an email from us!

Radical Catalyst is run by volunteers fueled by a commitment to art, literature, and resistance. We do not charge a submission fee for accessibility. However, you can donate at the link in our bio to support our journal in providing a platform for voices that challenge, disrupt, and reimagine.

The state of the world makes writing and creating really challenging but twice as important.

At Radical Catalyst, we believe in the power of art and literature to spark change. We unapologetically center queer and feminist perspectives, embrace radical political transformation, and uplift activism through creativity. Our work is rooted in intersectionality—because liberation is collective.

Radical Catalyst is seeking bold, unapologetic works for our inaugural issue, themed Resisting Authoritarianism. We want stories of survival, resistance, and radical futures. Accepting poetry, prose, memoir, essays, art, and more. Deadline: April 30th. Learn more & submit: linktr.ee/radicalcatal...

Don't make oppressed ppl show you the way; do depend on resources generated by the oppressed.

Don't make oppressed ppl lead you in the fight; listen to what they're saying, asking, & doing, & do that to the best of your ability.

When oppressed ppl choose visibility, uplift them & have their backs.

Shout out to our trans family on Trans Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️🩵🩷🤍

Here are some #TDOV tips and info courtesy of the organization Stand With Trans: standwithtrans.org

The state of the world makes writing and creating really challenging but twice as important.

This exciting resolution from Rutgers University Senate is exactly the kind of model I think higher ed needs: a mutual defense pact of, in this case, Big 10 schools. They call for member institutions to create a joint defense fund and make resources available to any member institution under attack.

Radical Catalyst is seeking bold, unapologetic works for our inaugural issue, themed Resisting Authoritarianism. We want stories of survival, resistance, and radical futures. Accepting poetry, prose, memoir, essays, art, and more. Deadline: April 30th. Learn more & submit: linktr.ee/radicalcatal...