Category: Poeaxtry’s Open Shelf

Current Goals & Future Visions

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Right now, I’m just an indie poet, self-publishing, editing, creating, and promoting my own work from the ground up. I’ve only recently started submitting my poetry to outside publications, and I’m already seeing the work pay off. Two LGBTQ+ magazine partnerships are in progress, and I’ve got multiple collections brewing on my own terms.

But this was never just about me.

Honestly, if I ever experienced a come-up, would it even be a come-up if I did it alone? If I didn’t reach back and bring others with me? If I didn’t use that platform to spotlight the very people I was once, and still am, standing among? If I didn’t at least try to put them in the same place as I. I mean I can’t make anyone else’s work a hit but, I can at least try to bring anyone who wants to along for the ride.

The current goal is to build and release themed collections of art and writing created by minority communities, impoverished individuals, and anyone who has been politically or socially silenced. I’m talking about the people who rarely get the spotlight, not because they lack talent, but because the system makes excuses not to see them.

To pack the punch or add more power and meaning, some collections will also include pieces by true allies. The people who stand firmly with us, even if they are not directly affected. Because sometimes the people on the other side only start listening when the truth comes from someone they view as “like them.” When cis, straight, white people…. No shade but, especially men of average or higher socioeconomic status speak up, other men are more prone to stop and listen. That pause can lead to understanding. And sometimes, that understanding becomes one more changed person, or even the start of what will come to change the person. Allies have a role. Not to speak for us, but to speak with us and to challenge the circles we cannot always safely enter ourselves.

Each contributor to these projects will have at least one piece included in the final publication, as long as their work aligns with the theme of the project they’re submitting to. In many cases, all of their pieces or many may be featured. The goal is to create a space for minorities to share not to create another loop of submitting their work and then not getting a chance. Art and literature are both things that are not accurately defined by “good or bad” and should be up to each person who has the opportunity to experience the piece. So, no I won’t bother excluding any creator who is in theme and mutually respectful simply because they create art that is not necessarily my taste.

However, this space does not tolerate bigotry disguised as art or resistance. If it becomes known that a contributor has actively spoken against or harmed any marginalized group, they will not be included. We all have a place. We all belong. But I do not work with people who are not accepting of differences that are not harmful to others. If someone has made appropriate, sincere apologies and shown clear evidence of growth and changed behavior over time, we will reconsider them. But I make no space for underdogs who are just as guilty of stepping on the necks of other oppressed groups to make themselves feel powerful. That’s not resistance. That’s replication of oppression, and it won’t be welcome here.

After each creator’s final piece a short bio they write themselves will be included, with space for links to their websites, social media, and online stores. This way readers and art lovers can find their favorite contributors. Artists may also opt to remain anonymous, but must let me know in writing if they wish to do so.

Submissions are open to anyone 18 or older, in any country.

Because American politics and media don’t exist in a vacuum. Our choices ripple out globally. Pretending they don’t is a privileged stance, and I’m not interested in gatekeeping based on borders. Don’t bother. I won’t be hearing how the world is following the same path Trump is paving against transgender people and yet you somehow don’t see the effect or the cause.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a one-off. This is the beginning of something more.

My long-term goal is to create a full publishing company, one that centers and uplifts the work of marginalized artists, especially those coming from impoverished backgrounds, queer and trans communities, BIPOC artists, disabled creatives, neurodivergent voices, and more.

A space where we stop handing the mic to cis actors to speak over trans lives. Where we stop letting white actors play all races on screen. Where we stop making queer people audition for lives they’re already living.

I want to build something that funds and amplifies the real stories of real people. Not inspiration porn. Not watered-down versions. Not token diversity.

Actual lived experience. Actual voices. Actual art. Here the art or literature degree you hold is the thing that makes you not a fit candidate. When usually it’s used as a substitute paywall. You know, not many people who face poverty get degrees. If they do they have to be lucrative positions. Though situations are and changing if you are a fit and also have a degree I would never want to work against you so please do at least explain how you fit and submit.

The most important and the least obtainable goal is to offer payment for submissions, paid collab content. I know that you must walk before you run, and I know that offering things for free to read while we grow will boost the ability for the contributors to be heard. However, creating isn’t charity. It’s overdue recognition.

Call for Core Contributors

If you’re interested in becoming a core contributing member to these goals, both current and future, please reach out by email or through any of the contact methods listed on my Connection Page.

Core contributors are not required to submit art or writing to the collaborative projects, though they are welcome to, but instead assist with the behind-the-scenes work. This may include editing, promoting projects, reaching out to other marginalized artists, helping create and plan future collaboration themes, uploading projects to indie storefronts, seeking out new partnerships and visibility opportunities, and helping grow the foundation that will become a fully functional publishing company.

Expectations and Structure

Core contribution is voluntary on your part and not automatically guaranteed on mine. Contributors must commit to a few hours each week to the tasks they’ve been approved for. Missed deadlines without prior communication will result in your removal from the contributor list. All work will come with at least one month’s notice. There will be no last-minute surprises. You will always be credited for your work, even if your role is discontinued.

If you help develop a concept for a collaborative project, that idea may continue to be used by me and the future publishing company, with full credit always given, unless we’ve agreed in writing that it won’t be.

This is about building something sustainable. Something honest. Something real.

We grow together. We hold space for each other. We amplify each other’s voices. This is community, not hierarchy. It’s effort, not ego.

Core contributors are the first to be considered by me when the goal to offer payment for creators is a reality. The eventual need for paid employees will hopefully also be the next step and anyone interested who has contributed previously or currently will be eligible before any new individuals.

The need to expand and improve may not always be something foreseen and if the company needs to pivot to become a better more successful company we will do so, BUT we will always have the same base core value of creating a space where minorities are listened to, respected, valued, and never spoken for.

Stay tuned. Stay loud. Stay rooted in what matters.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Ready to take the plunge with me? Poeaxtry@gmail.com

— Axton N. O. Mitchell (@poeaxtry_)

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