The Evolution of Qstack

Qstack is growing — not just in numbers, but in depth and reach. What began as a shared space for LGBTQQIP2SA+ writers and readers has become an expanding network of voices, collaborations, conversations, and mutual support.

We’re evolving, and we’re excited to introduce today a set of updates for how Qstack is edited, organized, and experienced.

As we continue the important work of amplifying and highlighting the queer creators of Substack and beyond, we will be able to serve even more great people for you to connect with, and writing, books, podcasts, and other media to enjoy.

A New Editorial Team Member

We’ve added a new Associate Editor & Community Coordinator - Keith Aron

Please join me in welcoming Keith, of the Big Blue Sky Dragonfly newsletter, who will be supporting editorial planning and outreach. Alongside this editorial work, he will be an active presence in the Qstack Chat, nurturing conversations and translating our discussions into thoughtful weekly prompts and content curation.

Hello Qstack community! I’m Keith (he/they), a trans and queer transformational coach, writer, erstwhile Jack of all trades, proudly witchy weirdo, and honorary tree. I’ve been lurking on Substack since October 2023, when I hatched Big Blue Sky Dragonfly, a Substack newsletter that lives at the intersection between belonging and authenticity. Not long after that, I joined the Qstack community, where I’ve been an occasional contributor and diehard fan ever since. I can’t believe how many inimitable creatives I’ve met here. Y’all have gotten me to cry, laugh, and ponder for days on end.

Outside Substack, my writing has been published in places like Hypertext Magazine, Still Point Arts Quarterly, Discretionary Love, and the International Human Rights Art Movement’s 2025 folio, “America’s Slide Towards Authoritarianism.”

As a coach, I support queer and trans folks and allies in finding and expressing their deepest selves. And that, in turn, helps them transform and weave every thread of their lives into a loose-fitting garment that looks and feels like it was tailor-made. I also support people through scratchy periods of transition, whether it’s related to identity, a loss, or some other major change. You can learn more about my work as a coach at keitharon.com.

Founding Editor

Meanwhile, it’s been a minute since I’ve mentioned my own bona fides.

I’m Troy Ford (he/him), author of the (very briefly) bestselling novel, Lamb: A novel in snapshots, and writer of the newsletter, Ford Knows Books. I’m from California, but moved to Spain in 2019 to live a saner life with my husband and our dog, Bubba. After a multifarious career in financial services and interior design, I’ve finally settled down to follow my heart and my calling to write.

I started Qstack because there is no “Queer” in the Substack categories, and I wanted to find my people and make it easier for all of us to connect.

With now two editors working in close collaboration, Qstack can better highlight exceptional work, foster sustained conversations, and ensure that both writers and readers feel seen and supported.

Community takes care, responsiveness, and attention—Qstack exists to provide exactly that.

Expanding Our Use of Cross-Posting

One of Substack’s most powerful features is also one of its most overlooked: cross-posting — the ability to share work originally published on another newsletter directly with our subscribers.

You’ve probably already noticed we’ve been cross-posting from other newsletters over the last few months, and we’ll be doing more of it—3 times per week.

This new method of distributing excellent work, insights, news and resources will allow us to offer a wider array than we have previously been able to based solely on submissions.

Another added advantage of cross-posting is that your attention, Likes, Restacks, and Comments will go directly to the writer of the post, rather than to Qstack—we want to get out of your way so you can connect directly and Subscribe to the newsletters you find most interesting and helpful.

We’ll still be accepting submissions for special editions, and highlighting News & Announcements in the community approximately twice a month. Never hesitate to reach out if you want more eyeballs on your work.

Qstack has become a hub in a broader ecosystem of LGBTQQIP2SA+ writers and publications. Cross-posting allows us to surface work that resonates with our mission, extend the reach of writers doing thoughtful and necessary work, and strengthen the connective tissue between newsletters that share values and audiences.

A Weekly Community Chat Prompt

Conversation is central to Qstack, and we’re formalizing one of the ways it already happens.

Each week on Wednesday, we’ll introduce a Qstack Chat prompt — a single question or theme meant to open discussion, invite reflection, or encourage connection.

Some prompts may focus on writing and creative practice. Others may explore identity, change, resistance, rest, or risk. Some may simply ask what you’re carrying this week, or what you’re watching and reading.

Participation is always optional. Reading along counts. Responding in your own time also counts. Questions are welcome. We’re here for you.

Let's Chat!

A New Monthly Column on Change and Transformation

Ask a Queer Coach

We’re launching a new monthly insight and reflection column written by our new Associate Editor, Keith Aron, who is a transformational coach.

Each month, he’ll respond to questions from the community about making meaningful change—personal, creative, relational, community or professional. This isn’t about optimization or quick fixes. It’s about clarity, agency, and forward motion that honors where you actually are.

Topics may include:

• Navigating transitions and uncertainty

• Untangling creative or emotional blocks

• Quieting the inner critic and disrupting impostor phenomenon

• Setting boundaries and redefining success

• Maintaining sustainable, self-aligned growth

Message Coach Keith

Questions can be submitted anonymously if you prefer not to be named in the column.

Keith will respond with thoughtful insights that are both practical and bespoke and also reflect an understanding that change is often messy, rarely linear, and never one-size-fits-all.

What All This Represents

These updates reflect our commitment to—

• Discussion and Community as an ongoing practice

• Writing as a way of thinking together and connecting

• Growth that foregrounds queer people over metrics

Qstack is evolving—you deserve a platform that grows with you.

Thank you for being here — and welcome to the next chapter of Qstack.

As always, Qstack is shaped by the people who participate in it. If you have ideas for chat prompts, pieces to cross-post, or questions you’d like addressed in the new column, we want to hear from you.