Lilac Peril Press

@lilacperil

DC-based small press by and for trans writers, with an eye for the subversive and experimental. Pre-order Issue 02: IDOLS Submissions CLOSED

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Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jul 13

For some reason none of the graphics posted and I’m not typing all that again so here you go 🫡

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 a green background and a photo of Lillie in front of a gallery wall. The text reads: Lillie J. Harris is a cartoonist, arts educator, and Nebula Award-nominated writer from Clinton, MD. Tension and empathy are notable themes throughout Lillie's work, as well as thanatology, horror, and no punching down.

A graphic with a green background. 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 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 HIPS. 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 a green background and a textile star. The text reads: August workshop with Evangeline Giaconia. Sunday, August 30 at 1 pm. Rhizome DC.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jun 10

This INCLUDES pre-orders of our next anthology IDOLS btw 👀

A graphic with an international Klein blue background. The text reads: Lilac Peril Issue 02: IDOLS. Cover art to be revealed.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jun 10

One book code - GAY1 Two book code - GAY2 Three book code - GAY3 PLEASE NOTE! You *must* use the multi-book codes on a bundle. Scroll down if you don’t see them. It won’t work if you add multiple individual books to your cart. Bundles are already discounted, so this is in your best interest!!!!

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

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jun 10

🚨🚨GAY BOOKS GET YOUR GAY BOOKS 🚨🚨 Now until the end of June you can get: 20% off one book 25% off a two book bundle 30% off a three book bundle lilacperil.bigcartel.com/products

A graphic with a green leafy background, three book covers, and the words: GAY SALE now until the end of June. Lilacperil.bigcartel.com

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Apr 23

And keep an eye out for an announcement on the date and location of June’s workshop! In-person in Washington DC, led by cartoonist and writer Lillie J. Harris

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

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Apr 23

As always, the workshop is free. We ask that you shoot some money to For the Gworls instead www.forthegworls.com/donate

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Apr 23

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? This class will analyze these questions using two recent trans novels (no need to read them ahead of time!)

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!

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Apr 23

May’s free (virtual) workshop: THE GENRE SELF with Isle McElroy Sunday, May 17 at 6 PM EST Virtual | Registration here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-genre-...

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

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 31

There’s also bundle options :) lilacperil.bigcartel.com

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 23

And stay tuned for May's VITRUAL workshop with the truly incomparable @islemcelroy.bsky.social !!! Registration link to come

A graphic with an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley. The text reads: Save the date! Next workshop on May 17, 2026 with Isle McElroy. Virtual.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 23

Our workshops are always free, but if you're able, we ask you donate to a mutual aid org instead. This month we're featuring @remorahousedc.bsky.social, a local collective who provide material support for our unhoused neighbors in DC. You can send a donation here: givebutter.com/remorahouse

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 23

We are THRILLED to work with the legendary @sexbeyondbinaries.bsky.social 🤩

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: Pleasure (2nd Ed, 2026). The first edition of Trans Sex (2021) was shortlisted for a 2022 Lambda Literary Award in the Transgender-Nonfiction category and was awarded the 2022 AASECT Book Award (Book for Sexuality Professionals), the 2024 SSTAR Health Professionals Book Award, and the 2024 APA Division 44 Distinguished Book Award. You can find out more about Lucie at: https://luciefielding.com or follow them on Instagram (@sexbeyondbinaries) or BlueSky (@sexbeyondbinaries.bsky.social).

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 23

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.

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 23

April's workshop is coming up QUICK, and it's a good one... WRITING THE TRANS EROTIC with Lucie Fielding ( @sexbeyondbinaries.bsky.social ) Sunday, April 5 at 1 PM EST Rhizome DC | 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC 20012 *** 18 + ONLY ***

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 18

and that we could use our labor and ludicrous optimism to prove it. This second run is bigger, printed and bound not by us, but it still exists as a time capsule of our imperfect start. The link to order a copy is in our bio. Can you tell which copy is the original printing? 👀

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 18

The first run was a little over 100 copies, printed in 2024 and hand-bound in Andrea’s studio apartment. Luke carved the cover angel and stamped each book one by one. We didn’t really know what we were doing, but we had this idea we couldn’t let go of—that trans literature in DC matters,

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 18

If you’ve been on our webstore recently, you may have noticed something: our first book, Issue 00 is available again! lilacperil.bigcartel.com/product/issu...

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Mar 12

Pre-orders for our next anthology IDOLS are open NOW!!! Cover art and contributor list TBA lilacperil.bigcartel.com/product/issu...

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."

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 27

Save the date for our April workshop: Sunday, April 5 with Lucie Fielding IN-PERSON at Rhizome DC **note that this one will be 18+!

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+

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 27

…the DC Trans Abolitionist Collective! You can send funds to @ Moss_Rocks on Venmo or $ Mrihn on Cashapp

The Instagram page for DC Trans Abolitionist Collective (@dctransabolitionistco)

A graphic from the same organization. Text reads:

ABOUT OUR WORK:
We seek to fight carceral violence by comprehensively supporting our incarcerated trans siblings on an individual level.
We do this by:
• Building "pen pods" for friendship and emotional support
• Supporting inside organizing efforts and advocacy
• Consistent fundraising

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 27

Benny is a local, and their debut novel THE MAIDENHEADS is out this spring! Workshops are always free, but we ask that you give to a mutual aid org instead. This month we’re highlighting…

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 yellow graphic with an anatomical drawing of the intestines. The text reads:

Who is this workshop for?
trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit writers of all experience levels. we welcome you whether its 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.

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 27

MARCH WORKSHOP! We’ll be writing IN-PERSON with Benny Peterson on Sunday, March 15 at Rhizome DC 🧠🧠🧠

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 yellow background and an anatomical drawing of a brain slice. The text reads:

Workshop topic:
CREATING CHARACTERS
FROM THE BODY
In fiction, we talk about very vivid characters as feeling "embodied" - through some mysterious creative alchemy, these words on a page take on a form that feels corporeal. As writers, how do we create characters that feel so real we can almost touch them, hear them, smell them? And what can we learn from our own experiences being a body in the world that we can then translate into an imaginary character's bodily experiences? In this workshop, we will read and discuss some examples of character-development to understand how writers create embodied characters. Well also do some somatic exercises to help us think about what physical reality actually "feels" like in our own bodies and how we can evoke that sensation through words. And we'll do some writing
exercises to work on conveying
that felt reality on the page. It will
help to have a character in mind
for this workshop- either one you've already written about, or one you're hoping to write
about. But there will also be space for creating a character during the
workshop, if you don't have one already in mind.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 18

Aaaand we’ll be tabling at THE offsite event of the week, Baltimore’s Big Trans and Hon-Binary Readings, along with @littlepuss.net and @feministpress.bsky.social. Just look at that line-up 🤯

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 flyer for Baltimore’s Big Trans and Hon-Binary Reading. It’s the Norman Rockwell painting “Freedom of Speech” but edited with a blahaj over the original guy’s head.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 18

We will be represented by Luke on the panel Trans Publishers, Then & Now with the lovely @caseyplett.com @reversibledestiny.bsky.social @ngrosenzweig.bsky.social, and Oliver Fugler!

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.

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 18

We’ll be tabling all three days at the book fair, 9 am - 5 pm, sharing a table with our friends @metonymypress.bsky.social!

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!

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 18

AWP is TWO WEEKS AWAY and it’s our first time 😏🍒 see where you can find us ⬇️

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

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 7

Procrastinators, now is your time!

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 the image of a marble statue of a sleeping person’s head. The text reads: Who can submit?
trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit writers and artists. if you think that includes you, then we think so too!
Is there a submission feel nope! submissions are free.
What are we looking for? we'll consider writing of any genre, but our tastes skew towards the subversive and experimental, work that you might find difficult to quote in front of your mother.

A graphic with a bright orange background. The text reads: GENERAL
GUIDLINES
- 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
FULL DETAILS IN THE CAPTION

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Feb 7

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

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jan 31

We’re looking for work on idolization—religious, interpersonal, or otherwise. All genres welcome!

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 an empty picture frame. Inside, text reads: GENERAL
GUIDLINES
- 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
FULL DETAILS IN THE CAPTION

Lilac Peril Press@lilacperil· Jan 31

🕯️ ONE WEEK LEFT until submissions close for our next print anthology IDOLS 🕯️