Author Guidelines
Tua Ira: Journal of Queer Studies Aotearoa gathers and extends the intellectual, creative, and political energies of takatāpui, queer, rainbow, trans and allied research across Aotearoa. We are particularly committed to supporting emerging scholars, alongside established voices, in an interdisciplinary and affirming scholarly space.
Tua Ira publishes one general issue annually, alongside occasional special issues.
Scope
We welcome queer, rainbow, takatāpui and allied research contributions across all disciplines and interdisciplinary fields and within grassroots, archival and community settings. This journal works on inclusive ethos towards supporting and platforming the interests, histories and future of the takatāpui, queer, trans and rainbow plus communities of Aotearoa. Tua Ira recognises and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Authors are invited to make a submission to this journal. All submissions will be assessed by an editor to determine whether they meet the aims, scope and ethos of this journal. Those considered to be a good fit will be sent for peer review before determining whether they will be accepted or rejected.
Submission Categories
1. Research Articles
- 6,000–8,000 words
- Original scholarly research
- Strong theoretical and/or empirical grounding
2. Creative-Critical Works
- 3,000–5,000 words (or equivalent)
- Includes hybrid essays, experimental writing
- May incorporate visual or multimedia elements
3. Visual / Multimedia Essays
- Flexible format
- Must include a 1,000-word critical reflection
4. Creative Works
- Includes:
- Poetry (up to 3 poems)
- Short stories (up to 3000 words)
- Creative non-fiction (up to 3000 words)
- Script or dramatic writing (up to 3000 words)
- Experimental or hybrid narrative forms (up to 3000 words)
- Submissions in this category are not required to include formal academic analysis, but should demonstrate intentionality, craft, and resonance with the journal's queer/rainbow/takatāpui scope.
- A brief contextual note (200-300 words) may be included if desired.
Referencing Style
All submissions must follow APA 7th Edition
Formatting
- Word document (.docx)
- 12pt readable font (e.g., Times New Roman)
- Double spaced
- Include page numbers
Submission Components
Each submission should include:
- Title
- Abstract (150–250 words)
- 4–6 keywords
- Main text
- Reference list (APA 7)
- Short author bio (100 words max)
Before making a submission, authors are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any material included with the submission, such as photos, documents and datasets. All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country.
An editor may desk reject a submission if it does not meet minimum standards of quality. Before submitting, please ensure that the study design and research argument are structured and articulated properly. The title should be concise and the abstract should be able to stand on its own. This will increase the likelihood of reviewers agreeing to review the paper. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.
Timeline (General Issue)
- Submissions Due: June each year
- Publication: December each year
Special Issues
Special issues are published periodically and follow bespoke calls and timelines, led by guest editors.
Peer Review
- Double-blind peer review (for research articles)
- Developmental review approach encouraged, especially for emerging scholars
- Creative works may undergo editorial + peer feedback processes
Ethics & Integrity
- Authors are responsible for:
- Ethical research practices
- Consent where applicable
- Proper attribution of all sources
AI Use Disclosure
- Any use of AI tools (e.g., for editing or drafting support) must be clearly disclosed, in line with institutional policies
Tone & Orientation
Tua Ira welcomes:
- Experimental writing
- Indigenous and relational epistemologies
- Non-linear and poetic forms
- Work that resists disciplinary containment
Submission Preparation Checklist
All submissions must meet the following requirements.
- This submission meets the requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
- This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.
- All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
- All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.
- Permission has been obtained to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission.
Copyright Notice
Authors submitting articles for publication warrant that the work is not an infringement of any existing copyright and will indemnify the publisher against any breach of such warranty. By publishing in Tua Ira, the author(s) agree to the dissemination of their work through Tua Ira.
By publishing in Tua Ira, the authors grant the Journal a Creative Commons nonexclusive worldwide license (CC-BY-NC 4.0) for electronic dissemination of the article via the Internet, and, a nonexclusive right to license others to reproduce, republish, transmit, and distribute the content of the journal. The authors grant the Journal the right to transfer content (without changing it), to any medium or format necessary for the purpose of preservation. Authors retain full copyright over their articles.
Authors agree that the Journal will not be liable for any damages, costs, or losses whatsoever arising in any circumstances from its services, including damages arising from the breakdown of technology and difficulties with access.
Privacy Statement
The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.