Our Mission
WAYF is an international journal with the mission to promote literature and art that transcends man-made boundaries.
WAYF stands for Where Are You From, a loaded question for many who have a heritage that is different from their place of birth or residence. WAYF aims to help disarm this question and reclaim our identities beyond where we are from. We invite you to explore that moment of hesitation, reflection and wonder before you answer the WAYF question and give yourself the space to unfold towards expressing your true essence.
We understand that people of a diaspora often do not have access to all available resources in their place of residence, which can prevent them from establishing themselves fully in their respective art scenes. This is why WAYF aims to centre their experiences, whether they are established or emerging writers and artists. Mindful of intersectional prejudices, we especially encourage those artists who are marginalised even within their own diasporic identities.
WAYF features literature in a variety of forms — poetry, prose, short stories as well as visual arts and photo essays. We aim to keep our submissions as accessible and low-cost as possible to help remove existing hurdles and exclusionary practices in the publishing industry. We also aim to reward work generously over time. See our submissions section for more information.
Founded in 2024, WAYF appears both in print and online. The journal is run by an international team of women of the diaspora who are based in Berlin and London — two European capitals that have a distinct cultural identity due to the strong and positive influence of their immigrant populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WAYF Journal?
WAYF Journal is an international literary and art journal centering diaspora voices. We publish fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art that explores identity, migration, memory, and belonging across borders and generations.
What does WAYF stand for?
WAYF stands for Where Are You From. The name reclaims a question many diaspora communities hear often and turns it into a space for self-definition, nuance, and creative expression beyond narrow labels.
Who can submit to WAYF Journal?
Diaspora writers and artists from anywhere in the world can submit to WAYF Journal. We welcome emerging and established contributors whose work resonates with our mission and editorial focus. Read our submission guidelines for details.
Where is WAYF Journal based?
WAYF Journal is internationally run and community-centered. Our editors and contributors span multiple cities and countries, reflecting the journal's transnational perspective and commitment to global diaspora conversations.
What kind of writing does WAYF publish?
WAYF publishes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, hybrid writing, and visual art. We prioritize work that is emotionally precise, formally alive, and grounded in the many realities of diaspora life.