Today I’m thrilled to share a conversation with Nadia Arioli, editor of Thimble, a quarterly journal devoted to poetry, art, and the small, handmade shelters we build through creative work. With Trans Day of Visibility on the horizon, it feels especially meaningful to highlight Thimble’s upcoming special issue, Thimble: Transpoetics, an edition shaped entirely by trans artists and guest editors. At a time when trans voices are being pushed out of public life, Arioli and the team are doing the opposite: making space, amplifying joy and fury and tenderness, and insisting on a world where trans creativity isn’t just included but centered.

We talked about how Thimble began, what this issue hopes to hold, and the kinds of work they’re most excited to welcome in. This special themed call is open for submissions of prose and poetry until April 30, 2026. See my interview with Editor-in-Chief Nadia Arioli and a link to submission guidelines below.

HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about Thimble. 

Thimble is a quarterly online and print journal. It is for poetry, visual art, short stories, and short creative nonfiction. For April 2026, we are seeking work by trans artists. Since our image is that of a thimble, we are invested in art as shelter. And trans people are in dire need of shelter–both literal and metaphorical.

HOPKINSON: How/why was Thimble originally started? 

Two friends from college thought it would be fun. I wanted a nice, cozy publication for folks to read. The trans issue was born of several ideas coming together: who is needing shelter in this political climate and finding several amazing trans guest editors: Ren Wilding (guest EIC), [sarah] Cavar, and Izzy Maxson (guest editors). 

HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience? 

This special issue of Thimble, which we’re calling “Thimble: Transpoetics” is by trans voices for trans voices. But also, for everyone.The political regime desperately wants a world without any trans voices in it. I, in my small way, am trying to do the opposite. A world without trans voices is unfathomably dark and silent. A world without trans voices is untenable. 

HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for? 

Our general theme is about making small shelters, but for this issue, literally anything by trans artists and writers. It doesn’t have to be “on theme” i.e. about being trans or about gender or about bodies, but it sure can be. Trans people writing authentically about what matters to them.

HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in?
We’ve gotten all kinds of things during our eight year run: comics, art, abstract paintings, weird plays. For Thimbel, I would love to see some trans joy pieces. Trans joy is so important. (We are, of course, open to trans rage, because, hello, it’s 2026, and I cannot imagine not being angry.)

HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?

I love what small journals with integrity are doing. “As It Ought To Be” does great work. Love “Whale Road Review.” “Voicemail Poems” is wonderful. “Meat for Tea” and I keep talking about a team-up/crossover special issue. We will have to see.

HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with the Thimble?

I love making the lit mag I want to see in the world. My favorite thing to do is publish authors who have never been published before. My other favorite thing to do is nominate people for the Pushcart who have never been nominated before. I’m very excited to help amplify trans voices. 

HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions? 

ThimbleLitMag@gmail.com

HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you? 

ThimbleLitMag@gmail.com

Click here to read submission guidelines.

• THEMED SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 30, 2026
• OTHER READING PERIODS: Every month except January, April, July, and October.
• FORMAT: Online and print
• SUBMISSION FEE: None 
• PAYMENT: None
• ISSUE FREQUENCY: Quarterly
• AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: about a month or two
• SUBMISSION METHOD: Email
• SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes
• FORMS: Poetry, prose, artwork, hybrid
• DUOTROPE: https://duotrope.com/listing/25345/thimble-literary-magazine
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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