Lilac Peril Press

@lilacperil.bsky.social

392 Followers 53 Following

DC-based small press by and for trans writers, with an eye for the subversive and experimental. Pre-order Issue 02: IDOLS https://lilacperil.bigcartel.com/product/issue-02-idols Submissions CLOSED

A graphic with a green background and a textile in the middle. The text reads: Lilac Peril presents, Dialogue in Mini Comics. A free workshop with Lillie J. Harris. Sunday July 25 at 6 pm. Pure Panic Comics, 8317 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
A graphic with an international Klein blue background. The text reads: Lilac Peril Issue 02: IDOLS. Cover art to be revealed.
A graphic with a green leafy background and white angel. Text reads: 20% off one book code: GAY1 25% off two book bundle code: GAY2 30% off three book bundle code: GAY3
A graphic with a green leafy background, three book covers, and the words: GAY SALE now until the end of June. Lilacperil.bigcartel.com
A graphic with a figure in an elaborate costume. The text reads: JUNE WORKSHOP! with LILLIE J. HARRIS in person in Washington D.C. date TBD
A graphic with figures in elaborate costumes. The text reads: Q&A Who is this workshop for? trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit writers of all experience levels. we welcome you whether its your lst or 100th workshop. How much does it cost? this workshop is free to attend. if you're able to, we ask that you donate to For the Gworls instead. Why should I attend? to build community, to fight despair, and to get inspired for that writing project you've been meaning to work on.
A graphic with figures in elaborate costumes. The text reads: The Genre Self Writing about oneself in fiction can result in a host of problems. How honest should you be about yourself? How closely should your story align with reality? But over the last few months, two books by trans writers have offered unique visions for how to engage with the self through genre. In Jordy Rosenberg's Night Night Fawn*, a fictional autobiography, and Patrick Cottrell's Afternoon Hours of a Hermit*, a horror mystery, both authors play with notions of selfhood and representation. In this class, we will explore the strategies both authors use to present avatars of the self and look at how we might apply genre elements to a traditionally realist pursuit: writing about oneself. ** Note - no need to read these books ahead of time!
A graphic with a photo of a figure in an elaborate costume. The text reads: Lilac Peril presents The Genre Self Virtual May 17 at 6 pm EST a free workshop for trans writers with ISLE McELROY
Screenshot from lilac peril webstore
A graphic with an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley. The text reads: Save the date! Next workshop on May 17, 2026 with Isle McElroy. Virtual.
A graphic with an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley. The text reads: Q&A. Who is this workshop for 18 + Trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit writers of all experience levels. we welcome you whether it's your 1st or 100th workshop. How much does it cost? This workshop is free to attend. If you're able to, we ask that you donate to a mutual aid org instead. This month, we’re highlighting the DC Trans Abolitionist Collective. Why should I go? To build community, to fight despair, and to get inspired for that writing project you’ve been meaning to work on.
A graphic with a photo of Lucie Fielding looking at the camera. The text reads: Lucie Fielding, PhD, LMHC, LPC (she/they) is a white, queer, trans misogyny-affected femme, and a therapist licensed in Virginia and Washington State. She received her MA in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute (2018). They also hold a PhD in French from Northwestern University (2008), where she specialized in histories of sexualities and erotic literature. Their background in literature and history attunes them to the many ways that image, metaphor, and cultural scripts shape the narratives we carry with us as we move through the world as well as how these narratives inscribe themselves on our bodies and (in)form how we erotically embody. In addition to their work as a therapist, Lucie is a sex and kink educator and a workshop facilitator. She is the author of the book Trans Sex: Nurturing Trans Erotic Embodiment and Gender-
A graphic with an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley. The text reads: Writing the Trans Erotic. Steeped in the conviction (as expressed by Tourmaline), “that a world filled with softness and beauty and care is not only possible, but inevitable,” this class aims to explore how we might dream and write trans futures soaked in pleasure, connection, play, and the spark of the erotic. This class will include an elaboration of principles of trans eroticism/trans erotic embodiment, while using examples from poetry, essay, and fiction to provide a foundation for writing visceral, opulent, queer, and hot scenes of trans pleasure and lust.
A graphic with an illustration of a woman raising a whip by Aubrey Beardsley. The text reads: Lilac Peril presents: writing the trans erotic. Sunday, April 5 at 1:00 PM. Rhizome DC. A free writing workshop with Lucie Fielding. 18+only.
The covers of two books
The back covers of two books
Two books laid side by side
A blue graphic with a black and white photo of Candy Darling laying in bed, looking at the camera. The text reads "Lilac Peril issue 02: IDOLS. Pre-orders open now! Coming Fall 2026."
A yellow graphic with an anatomical drawing of a head. The text reads: save the date! next workshop on April 5, 2026 with LUCIE FIELDING. in-person in Washington DC note - this specific workshop is 18+
The Instagram page for DC Trans Abolitionist Collective (@dctransabolitionistco)
A yellow graphic with a picture of Benny and illustrations of neurons. The text reads: BENNY PETERSON Benny B. Peterson (they/them) is a writer and editor based near Washington, DC. A contributing editor at Washingtonian magazine, they have also worked at Foreign Policy, The New Republic, and Street Sense, DC's street newspaper. They have written about culture, politics, gender, and LGBTO+ issues for the New York Times, Washington Post, Elle, Slate, and the Atlantic, among other places, and received an MFA in fiction from Bennington. Their first novel, The Maidenheads, is coming out from Dutton Books in May 2026.
A graphic with a yellow background and a drawing of an anatomical heart. The text reads: Lilac Peril presents CREATING CHARACTERS FROM THE BODY Rhizome DC Sunday, March 15 at 11:00 AM a free trans writing workshop with BENNY PETERSON
A graphic with a white background and an illustration of Gregor Samsa waking up in bed as a bug. Text reads: Reading Baltimore's Big Trans and 'Hon'-Binary Reading Thurs, Mar 5 at 7:00 PM The Club Car 12 W NAve, Baltimore MD 21201
A graphic with a white background. Text reads: Panel Trans Publishers, Then & Now Thurs, Mar 5 at 10:35 AM Publishers, Then & Now Thursday, Mar 05, 2026 10:35 AM - 11:50 AM EST Location: Room 326, Level 300 Description: Recent years have seen a trans literary renaissance. What's it like to be an indie trans publisher working behind the scenes to make that renaissance? This panel will speak to the literary and logistical trials and joys of trans publishing, with representatives from trans publishers new and old from the US, UK, and Canada. We will share wisdom, horror stories, triumph stories, and strategies for successfully publishing trans books in 2026 and beyond.
A graphic with a map of the book fair floor plan and an arrow pointing toward our table. Text reads: Book Fair Booth T110 Sharing a table with Metonyny Press!
A graphic with a white background and an illustration of a Hand of Glory. The text reads: Lilac Peril @ AWP Baltimore Convention Center March 7th - 9th
A graphic with a bright orange background and a framed black and white photo of Marsha P. Johnson holding a Snoopy doll. The text reads: idolization = transformation. What makes and idol? How do trans people worship-deities, ancestors, each other? What does idolization do-does it help us or disappoint us, save or betray us?
A graphic with a bright orange background and a frame black and white photo of Loren Cameron holding a bouquet of flowers. The text reads: IDOLS. FINAL DAY! Submissions due by 11:59 pm EST on 2.7.26
A graphic with a bright purple background and a framed black and white photo of Venus Xtravaganza. Text reads: idolization = transformation. What makes an idol? How do trans people worship—deities, ancestors, each other? What does idolization do—does it help us or disappoint us, save us or betray us?
A graphic with a bright purple background and a framed black and white promotional photo of the cast of Paris is Burning. Text reads: SUBMISSIONS DUE SOON!! IDOLS. Due by Feb. 7th SEEKING TRANS WRITERS! Fiction, essays, poetry, art.
A graphic with a brown background and a large illustration of a blue butterfly. The text reads: Save the date! next workshop on March 15, 2026 with Benny Peterson (in-person in Washington DC)
A graphic with a brown background, butterfly illustrations, and a photo of KB Brookins reclining on the ground. The text reads: KB Brookins is a Black queer and trans writer, educator, and cultural worker from Texas. KB's poetry collection Freedom House (2023) won the American Library Association Barbara Gittings Literature Award and the Texas Institute of Letters Award for Best First Book of Poetry. KB's memoir Pretty. (2024) won the Lambda Literary Award in Transgender Nonfiction, the Great Lakes Colleges Association New Writers Award, and the Dorothy Allison/Felice Picano Emerging Writer Award. They are currently a Black Mountain Institute Shearing Fellow at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Follow KB online at @earthtokb.
A graphic with a brown background and an illustrations of a large lunar moth. The text reads: LILAC PERIL PRESENTS Writing for Trans Justice: the who / what / when / where / why of writing, pitching, and landing op-eds about trans issues with KB BROOKINS a free virtual workshop Feb 21, 2026 1 - 2 PM EST
A graphic with a bright red background. In the center is a framed, black and white illustration of people gathered around a golden bull. The text reads. Lilac Peril Issue 02: IDOLS. Idolization=transformation.
A graphic with a bright red background. In the center is a framed, black and white picture of Rukmini on an altar. The text reads: IDOLS. Due by Feb. 7. Seeking trans writers. Fiction, essays, poetry, art.
A list of the Outstanding Short Story Nominees for the Transfeminine Review Awards. Three stories are highlighted: Women Taste Better, Real Women Don’t Watch Hypno, and False Tooth.
A hand drawn flyer with a cat in a Santa costume drinking beer. Text reads: Dew Drop’s Dyke Party presents Dyke the Halls. Tuesday Dec 12th. 7 pm to close.
A graphic with a bright pink background with a picture frame. The text reads: general guidelines. Send work to submissions@lilacperil.com. 2500 words or less. Black and white art only. Include a bio. Acceptance includes a small honorarium and a free copy of the finished book.
A graphic with a bright pink background and a picture of the sculpture The Ecstasy of St. Teresa. The text reads: seeking works of obsession, devotion, awe.
A graphic with a bright pink background and a picture frame. The text reads: What makes an idol?
A graphic with a bright pink background and a picture of Candy Darling. The text reads: Lilac Peril Issue 02: Idols. Call for submissions, open until February 7. All genres welcome. Fiction, essays, poetry.
A graphic with a metro map of the redline directions between Rhizome DC and the Renwick Gallery. Text reads: DON'T FORGET! workshop with TT Madden on THE SAME DAY! Sun, Nov 30 at 10 am Rhizome DC
A graphic with text that reads: MATTILDA BERNSTEIN SYCAMORE is the Lambda Literary Award-winning author of seven books, and the editor of six anthologies. Her new novel, Terry Dactyl, was just described by the New York Times as "a remarkably grounded look at what it means to be fully alive." Her previous title, Touching the Art, was a finalist for a Washington State Book Award and a Pacific Northwest Book Award. Her title before that, The Freezer Door, was a New York Times Editors' Choice and a finalist for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. She's currently working on a seventh anthology, ACT UP Beyond New York: Stories and Strategies from a Movement to End the AIDS Crisis. She's visiting DC to launch her new novel, Terry Dactyl. see Mattilda discuss TERRY DACTYL: Mon, Dec 1 at 7 pm Politics and Prose 5015 Connecticut Ave NW Washington DC 20008 masks strongly encouraged.
A graphic with text that reads: Lilac Peril presents, Writing Out of Context with Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. A workshop for trans writers. Sunday November 30 at 3 pm, the Renwick Gallery.
A screenshot from an article by Bethany Karsten published on the Transfeminine Review. It reads: “TABOO (2025) - Lilac Peril What It's About: A collection of stories primarily from authors local to the Washington, DC area, compiled by one of the most important community publishing and organizing efforts in the underground trans lit scene right now. Why You Should Read It: TABOO pushes the boundaries of the trans shortform anthology and does its title proud, from some of the best avant-garde prose of 2025 to zine-style underground theory, accompanied by a wonderful medley of poetry and art. Championing debut authors, deeply grounded in a local literary scene, Lilac Peril is paving a path for indie trans publishing in the 2020s.”
HEADS UP! NO WORKSHOP IN DECEMBER see you next year :)
Lilac Peril Presents: Trans Writing Workshop, featuring TT Madden. Sunday, November 30th at 10 am. Rhizome DC - 6950 Maple St NW, Washington DC 20012.
Lilac Peril issue zero (a white book with a purple angel on the cover) next to Lilac Peril issue one (a red book with a black angel on the cover)
workshop topic HOW TO "KILL LIES:" WRITING AGAINST RECEIVED LANGUAGE Nico Walker, the infamous bankrobber-turned-novelist, once wrote in BookForum, "Any writer worth a fuck should be in the business of killing lies." This generative writing workshop will consider the clichés, disinformation, and reductive language that plague minority writers specifically and employ them as writing prompts. We will begin by looking at some remarkable lie-killers across identity groups and history (potential writers include Torrey Peters, Andrea Long Chu, Imogen Binnie, Kay Gabriel, Leslie Feinberg, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Ralph Ellison, Claudia Rankine, Danez Smith, Charles Yu, Mosab Abu Toha, and Nafissa Thompson-Spires) and finish with a writing exercise in which we, as trans artists, write directly against and past the language wrongly applied to us. Sat, October 18 at 2 PM EST Virtual, registration in bio
Lilac Peril presents Max Delsohn's DOUBLE FEATURE virtual workshop Sat, October 18 at 2 PM EST HOW TO "KILL LIES:" WRITING AGAINST RECEIVED LANGUAGE reading + q & a Wed, October 29 at 6 PM EST PEOPLE'S BOOK 7014-A WESTMORELAND AVE, TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND 20912
A picture of Lilac Peril’s book TABOO with text above it that reads “$500 raised to defend migrant rights in DC”
A video scrolling through some of the items for auction
Home page of the Lilac Peril auction for migrant rights in Washington DC
Andrea smiling in front of a trunk full of boxes
A black and white illustration of baphomet but with the face of a cunty woman, along with text reading: REJOICE! Lilac Peril cordially invites you to our VIRTUAL BOOK LAUNCH, a night of literary perversions. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 AT 8 PM EST REGISTER FOR LINK Celebrate the launch of Lilac Peril's Issue 01: TABOO, a collection of 30+ trans contributors writing on the margins.
A black and white illustration of an angel holding a sword, along with the text: HARK! Lilac Peril & Lost City Books presents the TABOO LAUNCH PARTY. Celebrate the launch of Lilac Peril's Issue 01: TABOO, a collection of 30+ trans contributors writing on the margins. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 FROM 5 - 7 PM at Lost City Books 2467 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 readings * refreshments * perversions