Pathways Northern Ireland - Pop Up

An immersive two-year training & mentoring programme designed specially for LGBTQI+ 16 – 26 year-olds interested in creating & publishing queer-inclusive children’s books.

In the Pathways Northern Ireland programme – 30 young aspiring creators along with makers will come together to develop & launch a brand new children’s publishing enterprise – with a mission to publish more queer-inclusive books for children.

Through this programme, participants will learn all the nitti-grities of the children’s publishing business directly from experts working in the publishing industry. They’ll learn about commissioning new writing & illustration, editing, designing and printing books. Also, how to promote and sell their work through bookshops, online as well as offline to schools & libraries. Lastly, at the end of the programme, participants will set up & launch their very own LGBTQI+ community publishing enterprise!

Pop Up Projects has developed “Pathways Northern Ireland” programme in collaboration with Cara-Friend, a Northern Ireland-wide LGBTQI+ youth services provider. This initiative is funded through National Lottery Community Fund’s Empowering Young People in Northern Ireland programme.

As a community we believe that there should be more books for young readers that feature LGBTQI+ characters and their experiences. More queer-inclusive children’s books would support young people as they explore & discover who they are. It would also contribute to a greater understanding in families, schools and communities. And we think LGBTQI+ young authors & illustrators can help in making it a reality.