» Why Wouldn’t I Want That? by Al Benbow: Gender-affirming care for trans people is hotly debated, but for cisgender people, it's just called "healthcare.”

» Pride and Pelicans by Mariah-Rose Marie: My first queer date didn’t go quite as planned. 

» Queer Uprisings by Hazel Newlevant: Stonewall was an important turning point, but by no means were the riots the first act of queer resistance.

» Why Did I Think I Was Straight? By S. Mirk: In my mid-thirties, all my friends seem to be asking the same question. Why did it take us so long to feel certain in our bodies?

Check out the new nonfiction comics we’ve published in the past month. 

» In Lieu of Flowers by Kayte Young: As an abuse survivor with no living parent, I'm haunted by a question that can never be answered. 

» Naked and Afraid of Long Covid by Bryn Adams: I started thinking of my long COVID as a survival reality show.

» Keeping Secrets by Judy Powell: It was thirty years before I told my sister about the sexual assault.

» On a Walk With Mom by Sandra Grbic: A memory from growing up in Serbia offers a child's understanding of political violence.

All of our classes are sliding-scale and offered online, so they’re affordable and you can join from anywhere. We also have free spots available in every class and workshop for people who can’t afford the price—get in touch if you’d like to request a free spot!

• Pitching a Graphic Novel: In this two-hour workshop, cartoonist Al Benbow will go over the key components of a successful graphic novel pitch. Thursday June 12, 5-7pm PST/8-10pm EST

• Chronic Illness Comics Club: This free, low-key meetup is a place for people with chronic illnesses to connect and create art. Artist Zareen Choudhury will lead the group through a writing and drawing prompt, then everyone is given the chance to share their work. Next meetup is Sunday, June 15, at 11am PST/2pm EST

• Make Your Dang Comic! Cartooning Fundamentals: Artist Kane Lynch’s popular class on kickstarting your creativity returns for a new eight-week session in August. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a total beginner, this class will put you on track to create a finished comic you can be proud of. Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm PST/8pm-10pm EST from August 12th – September 30

• Fall comics festivals are taking applications now for tablers. Check out the applications for Short Run (in Seattle) and MICE (in Boston). 

• Want to go to Antarctica?! Polar STEAM sends artists to Antarctica along with researchers and educators. All travel costs are covered and you get to work with a cohort of interesting people. Applications for the 2026-2027 season are open now for U.S. residents over age 21, so why not give it a shot? 🐧

• Create a comic about fat liberation for the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Their community blog is looking for submissions and pays $125 for accepted pieces—they’re encouraging comics artists to submit work! 

• GRRRL Zine Fair is taking submissions for a new zine they could feature at their feminist zine festival and online, plus offer mentoring to the artist. Submit a zine idea and a plan for how you’ll make it—the winner gets an artist fee of £500 and a materials fee of £100 and an online mentoring session. Deadline to apply is June 22.

This newsletter is written by Shay Mirk. If you have comics or opportunities you think we should feature, email Shay at [email protected]. 💌