FlowerMouth Press Literary Arts Magazine Uplifts and Empowers Diverse Voices Through Writing and Art
FlowerMouth Press was initially conceived in 2019 as a “2 a.m. ‘what if?’ thought,” according to Founder and Editor-in-Chief Kenna DeValor. The Bloomsburg University student and Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Arts alumni imagined a literary arts magazine that would highlight the work of queer/LGBT+ writers. Although the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the immediate development of FlowerMouth Press, DeValor knew it was an idea worth reviving. They brought it back to life in 2024 with a slightly broader concept: now, FlowerMouth Press is a GenZ magazine spotlighting the work of not only LGBTQIA+ individuals, but any and all diverse voices, including BIPOC, AAPI and Disabled individuals.
“I believe that diverse voices deserve to be heard,” DeValor said. “Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, I am so passionate [about] bringing arts and literature appreciation to not only my community, but to every community across the globe! I fully believe that arts and literature should be without limits, without borders, and accessible to all.”
Driven by this mission, FlowerMouth Press took off rapidly; in less than a year, it attracted a volunteer staff of more than 24 individuals who champion and represent the magazine’s mission to uplift underrepresented voices: the staff is 90% female, 70% LGBTQIA+ or another minority, and 20% international. The magazine’s Instagram account, @flowermouthpress, also experienced fast organic growth, increasing from 60 followers to more than 1,500 followers in just four months; according to DeValor, today FlowerMouth Press reaches approximately 42,000 people.
To date, FlowerMouth Press has already released its first print and digital editions (Summer 2024) and hosts creative writing workshops over Zoom. The team also plans to attend the Pittsburgh Zine Fair (taking place October 27, 2024) and will release a second edition of the magazine in the fall of 2024.
“I felt so incredibly rewarded when other people in the arts and literature community accepted FlowerMouth Press with open arms. As art and literature add to a better world, so will FlowerMouth Press,” DeValor said. “From publication opportunities for upcoming artists and writers, to free/pay-what-you-will workshops over Zoom, to digital writing festivals and art contests, FlowerMouth Press will enrich our supporters and their communities with the power of The Arts.”
FlowerMouth Press welcomes writing and art from anyone and everyone, with almost no limits on the genre; contributors are invited to submit anything from poetry and fiction, to essays and plays, to visual art and fashion design—and nearly everything in between. The magazine even offers optional constructive criticism for those who wish to receive “kind and respectful” feedback on their work. FlowerMouth Press currently charges a small fee for its print and digital issues and writing submissions in order to cover operating and printing costs, but offers financial aid for those in need and BIPOC regardless of need; it also discounts submissions for LGBTQIA+ contributors during Pride Month. However, DeValor hopes to one day make the magazine and submissions free to all, with the help of Humanitarian Social Innovations and the generosity of donors.
To learn more and support FlowerMouth Press, please visit: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjE0MTA3