Call for submissions – Verisimiltude
submitted by Bob McDiarmid
In 1994, Les Wright founded the Bear History Project, a decade later it has
evolved into The Nashoba Institute. Nashoba is an Algonquian Indian word
describing a natural “convergence”. The driving force behind this new effort
is to facilitate the convergence of identities, cultures and communities
around masculinity in world culture. Versimilitude, our ezine, is a great
vehicle to communicate this convergence of ideas in a quarterly newsletter.
With the mission of challenging masculinities – Verisimilitude seeks to help
define masculinity without falling prey to culture stereotypes. The word
verisimilitude is defined as “something that has the appearance of true or
real.” So by using this definition as a guide we try to find real and true
represenetations of masculinity in world culture and showcase them. Our
primary audience is open to all sexualities and genders.
Verisimilitude is publishing its winter issue February 1, 2005. We are
interested in essays, poetry, prose and commentary that shines a light on
the definition of your own personal masculinity. We are also looking to
feature four artists as we do in each issue. There is no word limit – and no
real subject matter guidelines. We've previously published everything from
masculine love poems to the discussion of masculinity in lost cultures. We
are excited to be in our third year publishing this unique publication and
giving a voice to authentic masculinity, no matter the form it takes.
You can read our current issue – the 2004 Summer issue at
http://www.bearhistory.com/ezine
The deadline is for articles January 15, 2005 for the winter issue.
We would prefer to hear from artists – or folks that would like to point us
to their favorite masculine artist by December 31, 2004 – to give us time to
get artwork for online use from the artists in time for the February 1 issue
date.
For questions and submissions you can email Les Wright at
curator@bearhistory.com or Bob McDiarmid at robert@idahodesigns.net.
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The Nashoba Institute, Inc. is a non-profit educational, artistic and
charitable organization which supports activities at local, regional,
national, and international levels which address bear, queer, trans, butch,
and other homomasculine identities, cultures, and communities. Major
objectives of the Nashoba Institute include efforts to:
. Preserve bear and bear-related history;
. Promote and disseminate bear and other homo/macho artistic expression;
. Promote awareness of bear-related health issues;
. Facilitate open communication, cooperation, and information among diverse
aspects of bear and other non-hegemonic masculine-based communities;
. Represent and promote greater positive awareness of the bear community
within the G/L/B/T community at large and to mainstream society;
. Provide educational forums and materials for the study of bear and other
non-hegemonic masculine identities, cultures, and communities;
. and Support or mentor individuals and projects whose principles adhere to
the goals of the Nashoba Institute.
