SPECIAL SECTION THEME ANNOUNCEMENT
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"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom" - Maya Angelou |
Toyon Multilingual Literary Magazine
Volume 73 - Coming April 2027 Submission deadline: Sept 30, 2026 |
Toyon Issue 73: Uncaged
Toyon 73: Uncaged is a meaningful exploration of “cages,” both literal (such as prisons, ICE detention, etc.) and metaphorical (such as facing intersecting oppressions, experiencing interpersonal violence, etc.). Cages come in many different forms, and Toyon 73 highlights the transformative power of art in resisting unjust boundaries and giving voice to those being constrained and dehumanized by any forms of cages in their lives.
Toyon 73 asks, what does a world uncaged look like?
This issue explores experiences of captivity in all of its forms and the pursuit of liberation by those affected, as well as the fight against other forms of control. Toyon 73 is especially interested in the experiences of formerly and currently incarcerated people, tying their lived experiences to current political events and global liberation struggles. By exploring the intersections of policing, the prison-industrial complex, immigration enforcement, and other oppressive systems, Toyon 73 stands with marginalized communities affected by state and interpersonal violence.
Please send us your submissions by September 30, 2026!
Toyon 73 accepts all forms of literary and artistic expression including poetry, prose, nonfiction, short stories, photography, digital art, and spoken word submissions. Specific guidelines are listed on the submission guidelines tab, linked below. Here are a few prompts to get you started.
We are looking for:
There are $100 awards in Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Environmental Justice, Humor & Satire, Visual Art, Multilingual Writing, & Spoken Word or Audio!
Toyon 73: Uncaged is a meaningful exploration of “cages,” both literal (such as prisons, ICE detention, etc.) and metaphorical (such as facing intersecting oppressions, experiencing interpersonal violence, etc.). Cages come in many different forms, and Toyon 73 highlights the transformative power of art in resisting unjust boundaries and giving voice to those being constrained and dehumanized by any forms of cages in their lives.
Toyon 73 asks, what does a world uncaged look like?
This issue explores experiences of captivity in all of its forms and the pursuit of liberation by those affected, as well as the fight against other forms of control. Toyon 73 is especially interested in the experiences of formerly and currently incarcerated people, tying their lived experiences to current political events and global liberation struggles. By exploring the intersections of policing, the prison-industrial complex, immigration enforcement, and other oppressive systems, Toyon 73 stands with marginalized communities affected by state and interpersonal violence.
Please send us your submissions by September 30, 2026!
Toyon 73 accepts all forms of literary and artistic expression including poetry, prose, nonfiction, short stories, photography, digital art, and spoken word submissions. Specific guidelines are listed on the submission guidelines tab, linked below. Here are a few prompts to get you started.
We are looking for:
- Art created by currently/formerly incarcerated people or family/friends that recounts their experience with the criminal legal system, prison, ICE detention, border patrol, etc.
- Art that recounts people's experiences of metaphorical cages, both interpersonal and/or systemic
- Narrative journal entries or letters to family members or government officials
- Protest writings or photo journalism
- How have the many components of the prison-industrial complex affected your life?
- What in your life represents a cage?
- In what ways do you feel contained in our society and culture?
- How have recent immigration detainments affected you, emotionally and/or physically?
- What does a world uncaged look like? How do you imagine a prison-free world?
There are $100 awards in Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Environmental Justice, Humor & Satire, Visual Art, Multilingual Writing, & Spoken Word or Audio!
