Queer Texas Culture & Newsletter Writer

Are you a journalist or writer who is passionate about the culture and lives of queer Texans? The Barbed Wire is a progressive, diverse, digital outlet that’s obsessed with all things Texas, and we’re looking for a dynamic freelance Queer Texas Culture & Newsletter Writer to join our small — but mighty — editorial team.

A vast majority of Texas outlets’ coverage of queer life in the Lone Star State focuses on our disenfranchisement, but queer people in Texas aren’t always the victim of a tragedy: There are 1.8 million of us, more than any other state except California (and more than live in Manhattan). Sometimes we’re the hero, the performer, the jokester, the observer — or leading a digital newsroom, in our case.

We’re looking for in-the-moment cultural coverage of what’s happening both online and irl — like where Queer TikTok meets Texas jokes or the finger clap and its origins in ballroom culture. Can you keep up with queer Texans in the news, from state Rep. Ann Johnson to Maren Morris and Megan Thee Stallion? Would you enjoy poking fun at politicians and reviewing Khalid’s new album? Writing about when Texas Republicans assigned state troopers to tail this lawmaker, and how that state rep dragged them to a gay bar? 

When they were in the discourse, we’d have been happy to cover Texas’ first scream club, the gay rodeo in Denton, and the wig controversy when Netflix first dropped the show Hunting Wives. We’d love to showcase the secretly booming queer communities in Texas, whether that means something is popping in drag, activism, or dance lessons. What is this year’s version of the “I hate gay halloween” meme? (Is someone dressing up as the sushi at H-E-B?)

We believe in mischief, joke-making, and the importance of the fourth estate. Embracing the truth, even when it isn’t convenient. And acknowledging our viewpoint instead of pretending not to have one. 

We believe in equity and inclusion and in serving voices that are underrepresented by legacy media. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. 

Applications for this freelance contract position are open through Oct. 16.

Responsibilities:

• Write a bi-weekly (once every two weeks) newsletter using voice and humor to feature The Barbed Wire’s queer coverage, as well as curate what others have been writing, tweeting, and obsessing over in queer Texas culture and news lately. 
• Two stories per month, including a mix of essays and original reporting on what’s in the discourse — what album is about to drop, what shows are in the conversation, and what controversies are being debated? Can include both quick-turn stories, as well as features on trending and newsworthy topics with voice, verve, and good humor. Stories should hit one of our tentpoles — timeliness, trend identification, or originality.

• Produce outstanding, engaging editorial content highlighting queer news and culture in Texas.
• Create ~60 second social media videos on trending and other news stories, and generally help us engage our audience across platforms.

Details:

• Location: Remote (ideal candidates will reside in Texas)
• Compensation: $1800/month

Qualifications:

• Highly organized and efficient.
• Intellectually curious and driven, with a keen eye for detail. 
• Active on and interested in social media. There’s no requirement for followers, but an ideal candidate must be an avid reader who is familiar with online journalism. What news sites do you read? Are you active on Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, or Blue Sky?
• Proven ability to write clean, compelling copy quickly. We’re looking for a strong writer who can take assignments and work fast (with a witty, unapologetic flare). 
• Understand what makes something newsworthy, and the contours of a news cycle. A journalism degree or training isn’t necessary, but an ability to spot trending news is.
• Passion for covering LGBTQ+ news and culture. 

Join our mission to inform and engage Texans! To apply, please send your resume, two writing samples, and a brief cover letter with two story pitches to careers@thebarbedwire.com with the subject line “Queer Texas Culture & Newsletter Writer” by Oct. 16.