The BitterSweet Review is a publishing platform dedicated to the advancement of queer literature and visual culture. Initiated in London by a group of international writers, artists and scholars, it was born out of a desire to build community in times of hardship. Its activities include a regular magazine, artists limited editions and writing workshops.
The BitterSweet Review recognises that the literary world is too often promotes a high-brow, elite and monolithic culture which marginalises queer makers and ideas.
The BitterSweet Review wants to change that. We want to empower a young generation of queer artists and writers to make work that matters to them. We want to engage in meaningful, cross-generational conversations with our peers, regardless of backgrounds and qualifications.
The BitterSweet Review is currently stocked at:
London: Artwords Bookshop Limited, Gay’s The Word, ICA Bookstore, MagCulture, Magma, South London Gallery, Tender Books, Koenig Books @ Whitechapel Gallery, Koenig Books @ Serpentine Galleries, Tender Books
Glasgow: Category Is Books
Amsterdam: Athenaeum Boekhandel
Athens: Hyper Hypo E.E.
Barcelona: Llibreria Finestres
Berlin: Rosa Wolf, Motto
Paris: After 8 Books, Palais de Tokyo
New York: Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, Printed Matter, Kurimanzutto Gallery
Los Angeles: Skylight Books
Toronto: Issues Magazine Shop
Hangzhou: Dorbeetle Studio
Magazine
A regular magazine, available in print and online, and featuring innovative short fiction, poetry, and essays by emerging and established writers. The BitterSweet Review draws on the grand tradition of literary magazines while paying homage to the history of illicit queer publishing.
Artists’ Limited Editions
For each print issue, we produce a specially commissioned artwork available to purchase as a limited edition in an effort to produce affordable artworks and support their makers.
Our limited editions include works by John Booth, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane and Gray Wielebinski.
Writing Workshops
Regular writing workshops online and IRL with views to empower a generation of writers from diverse backgrounds.