Dear friends,
After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to put The Review on hiatus. This is not a decision we take lightly. We understand and are grateful that the Review continues to mean so much to the creators of the works we feature, and those who have relied on our content to guide them toward incredible LGBTQ+ reading.
We want to emphasize that this is not the first time The Review has gone on hiatus. It has existed for a long time without the financial support our other programs have received in order to sustain itself. The publishing world has undergone significant changes over the past decade, and it is imperative for us to adapt and rethink our approach to continue our tradition of excellence in providing a literary review that highlights the important work of LGBTQ+ communities.
We assure you that this is not the end of our journey with The Review, but rather a strategic pause. We are in the process of assembling a dedicated task force to explore innovative and sustainable models that will allow us to relaunch stronger and more resilient than ever. We are committed to maintaining the high standards and rich legacy of The Review, and we are optimistic about finding a path forward that honors our history while embracing the future.
We are proud of The Review’s existing content. All of it will remain available online at lambdaliteraryreview.org, in addition to a few new pieces already slated for release in the coming days. Beyond that, we will not be accepting new pitches. To the incredible community of writers, readers, and supporters who have been the backbone of The Review, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your contributions, passion, and loyalty have been the driving force behind The Review’s success. We deeply value the role each of you has played in shaping The Review, and we are eager to embark on this next chapter together.
We invite your ideas, your creativity, and your support as we navigate this transition and work towards a bright and sustainable future for The Review.
FAQ
YOU MENTIONED FINANCIAL REASONS BEHIND THE REVIEW’S TEMPORARY HIATUS. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES?
- Our cash balance has decreased by more than 75% over the past 15 months, and this challenging financial situation necessitates the pause and re-evaluation. We want to assure our writers, readers, and contributors that the decision to put The Review on hiatus is solely based on financial considerations.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EXISTING CONTENT ON THE REVIEW?
- The Review website will remain active, and all previously published articles, including those with diverse political perspectives, will continue to be accessible at lambdaliteraryreview.org.
HOW LONG WILL THE REVIEW BE ON HIATUS?
- We are uncertain at this time. Restructuring the Review in a way that ensures we don’t have to disrupt its operation again is going to take time, planning, and a substantial funding commitment. Once all of these vital details are in place, we will be thrilled to announce a relaunch date.
THE REVIEW HAS POSTED CONTENT RECENTLY WHICH MAY BE SEEN AS CONTROVERSIAL TO SOME AUDIENCES. DOES THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVE TO PLACE THE PROGRAM ON HOLD?
- Absolutely not. If the hiatus were a response to a particular article, we would simply have removed that content. Our commitment to editorial integrity remains steadfast, even as we navigate these financial challenges. We deeply value editorial independence and the diverse voices that have found a platform at The Review, as well as the work the Review has done highlighting the contributions of creators living at other intersections of marginalized identity. The decision to pause our operations is not a reflection of our stance on any particular issue but a strategic move to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Review and all Lambda Literary programs. .
HOW CAN I HELP?
- We are in conversation with brilliant, skilled members of our community whose areas of expertise will help us re-envision what the Review can offer and how to create a sustainable financial model for it going forward. If you have professional experience in a relevant area that you think may be of value as we develop this team, you are welcome to inquire about how to get involved at dgoldenburg@lambdaliterary.org. You can also always support Lambda through donations that make all of our work possible.
