Who We Are

GirlSpeak is a pro-woman, web-based literary and visual art magazine that seeks to provide a platform for those who identify as female. We showcase original works by young women and male allies ages 12-22 for an international readership. GirlSpeak is a respectful, diverse and empowered space, a reference for everyday life. We aspire to model self-knowledge, awareness of the world around us, and activism through art.

Since 2002, GirlSpeak provided a safe space for young women to promote their creative work. A program of Young Chicago Authors, GirlSpeak began as a writing and performance workshop for young women in the Chicago area. The original group of 15 met once a week for a writing workshop that culminated in a final performance. In the following year, youth volunteer editors produced two print magazines chronicling the writing and art of young women. In 2005, GirlSpeak decided to branch out and take advantage of new media, transforming itself into an annual editorial internship program which produces a highly accessible and diverse webzine, with feature articles, interviews, creative work and much much more!

Our voice is power/ Our art is activism.