Call for Pitches: Geez 71 Health

by Mashaun D. Simon | Published 28th July 2023

An International Medical Corps doctor examines patients,” DFID - UK Department for International Development CC, January 2013

Deadline for Pitches: August 15, 2023

I give a portion of my time to helping others. It is good for my own health.
– Louise Hay, Facebook post by Louise Hay from Mar 29, 2015

Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.
– Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

Health

There is an old saying health is wealth. But what really does that mean? Rarely do we see much said regarding the relationship between our faith, our faith beliefs (if we have them), and our health. Countless studies indicate that for a select portion of the world’s population, what they believe about God, the Divine, or an entity greater than themselves influences their health – or at least they believe it does.

What does it mean to be committed to eradicating the biggest health crises that have changed our world – COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, influenza? What about heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell? What is our commitment, our role, our responsibility to a healthy society? What did you have to overcome religiously to make your mental health a priority? What does it mean to do ministry while fighting cancer? What does a good death look like? Where do body image, weight, exercise fit in your concept of Imago Dei or your daily contemplative practices, if at all? What about the present-day politics of our bodies, including abortion rights or the debate surrounding healthy body image? Where do the realities of ableism and disability fit in any and/or all of this?

Questions to help you imagine:

Has institutionalized religion made you question modern medicine? Where have moments of your faith and medical decisions clashed?
When faith communities state “All are welcome,” does that welcome extend to those struggling with mental health?
Do you include your spiritual identity in your physical health care?
Have you had a “Why me, God?” experience with health?
Does your faith impact your vaccination status?
What are health concerns as the climate shifts?
What does Jesus say about bodies?
What are examples of communities doing alternative health care outside of the western medical system?
What are your thoughts on the debate regarding free healthcare and it being a right?

Ideas for Pitches:

Write a prayer for the health insurance companies.
Write a short sci-fi story about what could be possible for health systems.
Send a flash piece about experiences you’ve had in hospitals or a time when meeting with a doctor turned out to feel really liberative.
Write us an article from prison sharing your experience of the healthcare system.
Share an exorcism direct action liturgy from outside a pharmaceutical company.
Write a legal update on anti-trans health care bills around the US.
Write a story about the power and beauty of trans healthcare you received.
Write a love letter to your body. Send recipes for herbal medicines.
Have a conversation between a US and a Canadian citizen about the differences in our healthcare systems.
Write a piece about the colonization of health practices that are not from Western traditions (ex. Yoga, Tai Chi)

Notes about Submissions

We’re looking for long-form journalism, personal stories of transformation, short bursts of feelings, and nuggets of inspiration. Choose an aspect of the topic and expand with personal experience, researched wisdom, or spiritual insight.

A great pitch will describe the piece, explain why it’s a perfect fit for Geez, list the sources you’ll consult, and state why you’re the best person to write it. Please include a brief bio and where you live.

Ideally, pitches are a page or less. Note: if you send us 20 pages, we likely will not be able to read it. If you already have a completed manuscript, poem, photo, or design, feel free to submit it as well.

1. Long-form nonfiction (600, 1200, or 1800 words)
We’re looking for creative nonfiction essays, investigative articles or research-based pieces on the topic above. Wisdom from other sources is welcome, but not required if you are bringing your own embodied experience.

2. Flash nonfiction (50-300 words)
These are short, personal experiences or insights. Your piece should capture a moment that illuminates a larger issue or convey a feeling familiar to us all. This is a chance to bring hope, insight, emotion, and connection to readers.

3. Photos/Illustrations
Consider the topic above and send original photographs or illustrations that provoke or pacify, animate or incite. Note: artwork pitches and submissions will receive responses after written pitches. It could be 2 months before you hear back.

4. Poems
Please submit up to three previously unpublished poems (three pages total) as an attachment, in a Word or PDF document. If you do not hear back from us within eight weeks of the deadline, then assume that we were unable to use your submission.

Additional Info

Our readership is split between Canada and the US with some wider international readership as well. Please consider this in how you approach your topic.

Ideally, we will respond personally to every piece of correspondence we receive. But given the number of submissions we receive, it is not always possible. If you do not hear back from us within four weeks of the deadline assume that we were unable to use your submission.

Contributor Honorariums

We are a small nonprofit that currently offers very modest honorariums. Depending on the length, we usually offer between $50 and $100.

Deadline for Pitches: August 15, 2023

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Sincerely,
Mashaun D. Simon, associate editor, lead editor for Geez 71
Lydia Wylie-Kellermann, editor
Tuhina Verma Rasche, associate editor

Send pitches, manuscripts, and images to:
Geez Editors
Email: stories [at] geezmagazine [dot] org
Mail: Geez magazine, 1950 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216 USA