Prism Comics is proud to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the 2011 Prism Comics Queer Press Grant, with a deadline of September 1, 2011. The Grant was established by Prism to assist in the publication and promotion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) comics.

"A central part of Prism's mission is to encourage the development of new talent and the publication of new LGBT comic books," said David Stanley, Prism's PR Chair. "The Queer Press Grant continues to be one of the primary ways for us to reach those goals."

To assist applicants with their entries, Prism will be offering portfolio review at this year's Comic-Con International in San Diego. In past years, top comics industry professionals including Phil Jimenez, Jimmy Palmiotti, Eric Shanower, Paige Braddock, Bob Schreck and many more have offered their invaluable advice and counsel at the Prism booth.

The submission deadline is September 1, 2011 and applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their entries as early as possible. The recipient of the Grant will be announced during the Alternative Press Expo (APE), October 1-2 in San Francisco.

Entries are judged first and foremost by artistic merit, followed by concerns such as financial need, proposal presentation, and the project's contribution to the LGBT community. They are reviewed by the Prism Board and past recipients of the Grant, with the larger advisory board brought in on tied votes.

For a full breakdown of the Grant's guidelines and to fill out an application, go to prismcomics.org/grant. Entries must be uploaded in a PDF format using the online submission system. Questions about the grant can be directed to Justin Hall at justin@prismcomics.org.

The Queer Press Grant is funded entirely by donations, generally from comic book professionals and readers. Contributions are accepted from those who want to support Prism's efforts to encourage new and under-appreciated talent. Prism reaches out to the greater LGBT community in particular, who acknowledge the challenges LGBT comics face in an environment in which queer stories and their creators still struggle for acceptance.

To support the cause of innovative LGBT comics and cartooning and donate to the Queer Press Grant, go to prismcomics.org/donate.php or donate through Prism's Facebook Causes page for the 2011 QPG. From these contributions, the amount of the Grant in past years has generally ranged between $1,000 to $2,000.

Since its inception, the Queer Press Grant has been awarded to Steve MacIsaac1 (2010: Duck), Steve MacIsaac2 (2010: Fearful Hunter, Steve MacIsaac3 (2009: Wuvable Oaf), Eric Orner (2009: Storybox), Pam Harrison (2008: House of the Muses), Justin Hall (2007: Glamazonia), Tommy Roddy (2007: Pride High), Steve MacIsaac0 (2006: YU+ME), and Steve MacIsaac (2005: Shiftlifter).

David Stanley is Prism's PR Chair and Editor, Queer Eye On Comics

Prism Comics promotes the works of the LGBT community in comics. It does not implicitly endorse any other material or products associated with those works. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s).