Wanted: LGBT-positive Christian poetry

An open and affirming Christian poetry contest is being sponsored by NuWine Press, an independent publishing company offering fresh perspectives on Christianity. The deadline is March 15 and winners will be featured in an upcoming book.

For the contest, NuWine Press is seeking poems and free verse about encounters with God from individuals disenfranchised by the Christian community. These “writers at the extremes of Christ's body “ may include Christ-followers of all races, denominations, genders, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as those who may be physically and mentally challenged.

Aimee Maude Sims

NuWine Press was founded in 2007 by Aimee Maude Sims, a multimedia reporter and music writer. Her own writing embodies a playful, intelligent spirituality in which God embraces gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Watch her YouTube video above for her wonderful poem “Come Claim Me Jesus” said to her own music.

Her wit and spirit also sparkle in her recent essay “ Top 10 ways we know God loves gay people.” It includes such gems as “LBGT = Loved By God Truly!”

Sims’ award-winning work has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press and international papers. She holds a B.S. In Political Science and Urban Affairs from Barnard College, and a M.S. In Journalism from The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. She also completed studies in web design at Medger Evers College.

For more info on the NuWine poetry contest, visit nuwinepress.com.