2016 Deacon Maccubbin Young Writer Awards

In 2016, the OutWrite LGBT Book Festival presented the Deacon Maccubbin Young Writer Awards, made possible by DC Front Runners Pride Run, to three young writers.

The 2016 Deacon Maccubbin Young Writer Award in Prose was award to Allison Punch for her piece, “Falling.”  The judging panel included James Earl Hardy, Deacon Maccubbin and Gabby Rivera.  You can read Allison’s winning piece here.

The 2016 Deacon Maccubbin Young Writer Award in Poetry was a joint award presented to Victoria Newton Ford for her piece, “Sally Speaks to Tom about Their Daughter Beyoncé,” as well as to Shyla Hardwick for her piece, “Worms.”  You can read Victoria’s winning piece here and Shyla’s winning piece here.  (Editor’s Note: Both the winning pieces explore difficult topics and utilize strong language and imagery).  The judging panel included Saida Agostini, Regie Cabico and Tafisha Edwards.

Deacon Maccubbin is the founder of the LGBT bookstore Lambda Rising, the Lambda Literary Awards and D.C.’s first Gay Pride Day.  Throughout his life, Maccubbin has dedicated himself to creating spaces for LGBTQ voices to be heard. The Young Writer Awards, made possible by DC Front Runners, were awarded to continue Maccubbin’s legacy and provide opportunities for the next generation of the LGBTQ community to grow.