Boost Your Freelance Writing Career by Writing for the Gay Community

Freelance writing has never been so easy-or so confusing. There are more publications looking for great stories than ever before, but the competition is fierce, and it can be difficult to narrow down a market. One of the most underexposed markets for freelance writers is the gay community, for which thousands of publications are directed all over the country. From national magazines to syndicated web sites to local rags, you can find someone to buy your work.

Popularized as GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered) literature, freelance writing for the gay community is at an unprecedented high. There are book publishers that work only with GLBT literature, as well as magazines, newspapers and web sites that are geared specifically toward the gay community. Furthermore, you can gain a dedicated audience that will boost your freelance writing career in a very short amount of time.

You don't have to be gay to write for the gay community, but you do have to understand their culture. Having gay or transgendered friends, or frequenting the places where gay individuals work and play, is a great place to start. Observe the issues, problems, joys, struggles and triumphs of the GLBT community, then parlay what you've learned into articles, books, essays or short stories. Yes, it really is that simple.

Of course, you'll need to conduct some serious market research. Just like with any other minority group, the gay community is separated based on preference and individual personality. Some GLBT publications are geared specifically toward bisexual individuals, while others might be for gay men or pre-op transsexuals or gay pride issues. Understanding the market is the first step toward boosting your freelance writing career.