Trans Writing Group
As trans* writers, we often find our writing narratively limited or misunderstood in traditional writing spaces. We regularly become gender educators rather than equal participants, experience transphobia in environments that are supposed to be trans-inclusive, and find our additional accessibility requirements go unmet.
It becomes essential to find a space where our work and identity will be seen as it is in order to access the benefits of a writing group, such as:
Having dedicated time to write our project or take part in themed exercises
Discussing how we – as marginalised writers – navigate the writing world
Sharing in small groups about how our projects are going and gaining peer advice
Socialising with other trans people with a shared interest and making connections on both a personal and professional level
On the Trans Writing Group (TWG), you will be invited to take part in eight weekly Zoom meet-ups consisting of private writing, small group interaction, and whole group discussion all led by Ennis Welbourne (they/them). We will use reflective writing to improve our writing practice, work on how we summarise and talk about our projects, consider our writing identity and the goals we’re working towards, and share creative outputs and sources of inspiration.
This group is cost-free and rooted in accessibility, with aims to be; trans-inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly, trauma-informed. We encourage autonomy, uphold anti-oppressive values, and strive to be non-hierarchical. Ennis will provide a group Handbook the week before we start which includes pictured instructions for using Zoom, details on each session activity, inclusion guidelines, and information on reflective writing.
The purpose of this group is to provide motivation, peer-support, and to develop community, as opposed to an educational group or one designed for sharing critique on written work.
You do not need:
A formal creative writing education
Prior knowledge on how to use Zoom
Your camera or mic on
To take part in all session activities
To share your writing
To write about trans lives
You will need:
To not identify as cis
Have an interest in writing
Access the internet
Be eighteen years old or older
*Trans – I am using the term ‘trans’ as an umbrella term to include everyone outside of the cis-binary. This includes but is not limited to; trans-nonbinary, trans-binary, gender non-conforming, agender, gender fluid, genderqueer, two-spirit, and those without labels. This group also warmly welcomes those still figuring out their gender identity.
This group will run with participant count of minimum fifteen, and maximum twenty. Any questions at all, please drop me a line at enniswelbourne@gmail.com. I also check my messages over on Instagram @enniswelbourne.
How to Apply
Write in with 300–500 words on why you would benefit from this writing group and mention a short bit about what project/s you plan to bring to the group.
!! Make sure you reach at least 300 words, or your application will not be considered or receive a response.
Email your application to enniswelbourne@gmail.com including the group number, for example ‘3rd group’ or dates.
Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis, application dependant.
You will not be turned away because of a lack of formal education, or if English is your second language.
You can bring any form of creative writing to the group, including (but not limited to); Poetry, Comics, Songwriting, Flash Fiction, Experimental Forms, Short Stories, Novella, Scriptwriting, Table Top Games, Non Fiction, Memoir, Journalism, Essays, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Crime, Romance, Horror, and more!
Dates
Dates and times are on the Listings page of this website. [No current plans to re-list]
If you are interested in taking part in this group but the time or dates don’t work for you, please contact me at enniswelbourne@gmail.com with your preference and I can take this into account when I re-run the group. Alternatively, you can join my monthly newsletter to receive listing updates and more!
Free or £25 Ticket
Places on this group are free for those who experience cost as a financial barrier to accessing writing spaces. If you are in this position there is no expectation for you to purchase a ticket.
If the £25 ticket is affordable for you, you can pay for your ticket using this PayPal link. Alternatively, send me an email and we can figure out an alternative payment method.
Testimonials
“This was a warm and lovely group, a rare space in which I was able to socialise with other trans, neurodivergent and chronically ill writers. I gained so much confidence in these weeks. Ennis worked really hard to listen and make adjustments, tailoring the way information was relayed and how workshop time overall was used, including requests and suggestions.”
“This group helped me in my confidence as a writer hugely, as well as making me feel super supported as a queer, trans, and disabled writer. It's rare to find a safe space, that is actually a safe space, held (by Ennis) via active practices of care, gentle motivation & checking in. It was a really special community to be a part of.”
“I went as much as I could and got a lot out of it. Ennis was a great host and created SO many wonderful materials for the group. The other participants were such smart and interesting people, I felt really lucky to interact with and be challenged by them. As a visual artist the chance to reflect has helped the quality/deliberateness of my work a lot.”
“Ennis was such a kind, organized, and motivated facilitator. I could tell that the mission to provide a queer- and trans-centered space accessible for people with disabilities and people who are neurodivergent is important to them, and they put in a lot of effort to make this happen. They were very structured, communicated clearly, and were open to feedback. I learned a lot from Ennis and from the group. Thank you!”
About Ennis
March 2024 | Ennis Welbourne (they/them) is a marginalised writer developing online spaces for trans* writers. They use their lived experience to design accessible community for those who are neurodivergent, disabled, poor and who have experienced trauma. Ennis is drawn to experimental storytelling, creative nonfiction, and speculative fiction. They are a Bath Spa creative writing graduate and are currently work part-time for London Lit Lab as Assistant Editor.