The BitterSweet Review is a publishing platform dedicated to the advancement of queer literature and visual culture. Initiated in London by a group of international writers, artists and scholars, it was born out of a desire to build community in times of hardship. Its activities include a magazine, artists limited editions and reading and writing workshops:
Magazine
The magazine is available in print and features innovative short fiction, interviews, poetry, and essays by emerging and established writers. The BitterSweet Review draws on the grand tradition of literary magazines while paying homage to the history of illicit queer publishing.
Artists Limited Editions
Each print issue features a specially commissioned artwork available to purchase as a limited edition in an effort to produce affordable artworks and support their makers.
Writing Workshops
Regular reading and writing workshops online and IRL with views to empower a generation of writers from diverse backgrounds.
Why Does it Matter?
The BitterSweet Review recognises that the literary world too often promotes a high-brow, elite and monolithic culture which marginalises queer makers and ideas.
The BitterSweet Review aims to change that. We want to empower a young generation of queer artists and writers to make work that matters to them. We want to engage in meaningful, cross-generational conversations with our peers, regardless of backgrounds and qualifications.
Our Values
The BitterSweet Review is committed to supporting emerging writers and artists while championing original queer literature and ideas. We are committed to addressing and fighting racist, classist, ageist, ableist and intellectualist biases in all their forms. All our contributors will be paid for their work.
Uniting bitterness and sweetness, the adjective “bittersweet” takes its origin from the ancient Greek word glykypikros (“sweet-bitter”). It was popularised in the 6th-century BC by Lesbos poetess Sappho to describe the paradox of Eros, one to which all writings must return.
Design
Spanish-born, London-based graphic designer John Philip Sage is responsible for developing the graphic identity of The BitterSweet Review. Sage has used the typeface "Kéroine,"designed by Amsterdam and Berlin-based Studio Charlotte Rohde. The magazine’s logo – a one-eyed monstrous figure – references the perennial vine celastrus scandens – commonly known as bittersweet – popular in witchcraft for its protective quality against the evil eye.
Friends & Contributors
Contributors to our magazine include Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore (US); Adrian Bridget (UK); Emma Jane Gomis (US/ES); Tarek Lakhrissi (FR); D Mortimer (UK); Spyros Rennt (GR/DE); Roberto Rodriguez (US); Vicky Spratt (UK); Diamond Stingily (US); Isabel Waidner (UK); Gray Wielebinski (US/UK); Barbara Sanchez-Kane (US); Amelia Abraham (UK); Amrou Al-Kadhi & David Hoyle (UK); John Booth (UK); Michelle Tea (US); and many more...
How You Can Support
Aside from our second print issue, we have a range of exclusive artists limited editions; they are available to purchase on our webshop:
https://thebittersweetreview.com/shop/
Target
We need to raise £7,000 to get The BitterSweet Review off the ground. All funds will be used towards design and production costs, including contributors' fees. Any additional funds will be redirected towards the long-term investments, including for forthcoming issues as well as website development.
Who We Are
For more information about who we are as a collective, please take a look at our website:
https://thebittersweetreview.com/about/
Thank you so much for your support.