Call for LGBTQIA+ writers to apply for “Beyond the Binary”

VIS Social Impact, the new studio division of ViacomCBS International Studios dedicated to the development of social impact-driven content, has opened applications for its Writers’ Room, Beyond the Binary: Fluid Voices.

The Beyond the Binary: Fluid Voices Writers’ Room will run weekly for four months between January and April 2022 and will create scripted content that drives social change in global issues such as equity, global health, and climate change. Applicants with an interest or lived experience in these issues are encouraged to apply.

Led by actor, writer and director Thishiwe Ziqubu, the room will champion the voices of diverse creators and create content focused on underrepresented communities throughout Africa. The Writers’ Room aims to include a strong presence of participants from LGBTQIA+ communities.

“For decades, ViacomCBS has been at the forefront of telling stories that matter. Now, with the launch of VIS Social Impact and our new Writers’ Room, we will offer a global, ground-breaking, socially impactful platform to showcase under-represented talent from around the world,” said Georgia Arnold, Head of VIS Social Impact and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility at ViacomCBS Networks International.

“This Writers’ Room will provide an exciting and important platform for creative collaboration between powerful minds and voices who are often marginalised. We will create compelling, entertaining and meaningful dramatic content that comes from our authentic truths and lived experiences, particularly those of us whose gender identities and gender expressions have often meant being side-lined and placed at a disadvantage as a contributor to positive social impact,’ said Ziqubu, who is is the Lead Writer and Director of the Writers Room, Beyond the Binary, Fluid Voices.

As part of the ViacomCBS’ commitment to inclusion and diversity, applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised as will the creative voices of genderqueer, gender non-binary, gender non-conforming, genderfluid and transgender creatives. Criteria consideration includes experienced, beginner, aspiring and non-writers, with classification of these categories clearly defined on the application platform.

“African led partnerships are at the core of creating content and stories that speak to an authentic African perspective, a commitment that ViacomCBS Networks Africa strives for across various expeditions. We welcome partnerships that deliver impact across the continent as we continue to energise a Reimagined African narrative”, concluded Monde Twala, SVP and GM & BET Peer Lead at ViacomCBS Networks Africa.

For more information on applications and requirements for VIS Social Impact: Writer’s Room: Beyond the Binary: Fluid Voices, click here. Applications close on 19 November.