Poetry Contest

2025 submissions are now open!
The purpose of this contest is to bring creative expression to life within the Greater Wyoming Valley LGBTQ+ community. We’re looking for unpublished poems that move us, make us laugh/cry, teach us something new, or a combination. By promoting the creative medium of poetry, our vision is for you to express yourself and how it pertains to “Live Out Proud.” Contest brought to you by Rainbow Alliance & NEPA Pride Project.
Official TOpic
The topic for the contest is “Live Out Proud.” Your poem must relate to the topic—however it resonates with you.

Poetry Submission Expectations
- Honest, open, and real content is encouraged.
- Poems only. No short stories/prose accepted.
- One submission only per person.
- Entries must be submitted by Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
- Poems must not exceed 40 lines in length (excluding the title).
- Poems must be submitted as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file.
- Must live within the boundaries of the Greater Wyoming Valley (Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming Counties).

Poetry Contest Prize & Recognition
First Place will receive:
- $500 Visa Gift Card
- Featured reading on PA Live!
- Feature in The Weekender in print and the e-edition
- Feature by DiscoverNEPA
- Social Media Feature across Rainbow Alliance & NEPA Pride Project
- Featured Reading at 2025 PrideFest
Second Place will receive:
- $300 Visa Gift Card
- Poem posted on DiscoverNEPA
- Social Media Feature across Rainbow Alliance & NEPA Pride Project
- Featured Reading at 2025 PrideFest
Third Place will receive:
- $150 Visa Gift Card
- Poem posted on DiscoverNEPA
- Social Media Feature across Rainbow Alliance & NEPA Pride Project
- Featured Reading at 2025 PrideFest
2024 Poetry Contest Winners
First Place
Jolene MaleskiBody Double


Second Place
Jenn johnson-HamerLive out proud, they say



Third Place
Daniel GomesWerewolf


