Prism Comics is accepting submissions for the 2009 Queer Press Grant, with a deadline of October 1, 2009. The annual grant was established by Prism Comics to assist in the publication and promotion of LGBT comics.

“The Queer Press Grant is the only American grant besides the Xeric Award dedicated to independent comic books,” says Justin Hall, Prism Comics Talent Relations Chair. “Since 2005 it has provided a significant annual sum of money, which varies according to Prism’s fund raising but generally comes in at around $2,000, to an LGBT cartoonist who is self-publishing a comic book with queer characters and/or themes.”

Entries are judged first and foremost by artistic merit, followed by concerns such as financial need, proposal presentation, and contribution to the LGBT community. They are reviewed by the Prism Comics Board, with the larger advisory board brought in when a tiebreaker is needed.

For a full breakdown of the Grant’s guidelines, as well as for the application itself, please go to http://prismcomics.org/grant.php. Questions about the grant can be directed to Justin Hall at justin@prismcomics.org.

The Grant is entirely funded by donors, both comics professionals and fans who want to see more LGBT comics creators get published in a market in which it is still difficult for queer stories to be heard. If you would like to support the cause of queer, independent cartooning and donate to the Grant, please go to our: Facebook Cause page.

The previous Queer Press Grant recipients are: