Thanks to a partnership between Sigma Tau Delta and Lambda Literary, Bianelly Tellez was able to step into an experience that blended her love of poetry with her commitment to advocacy. This opportunity allowed her to serve as an intern for the 2025 Emerging Writers Retreat for LGBTQ Voices, where she not only supported the work of the retreat but also discovered new ways to grow as a writer, educator, and community-builder. Learn more about our Lammy Awards judging opportunities for Sigma Tau Delta students members, alumni, and Chapter Advisors, and internship opportunities for students and alumni.
In the spring, I began my internship at Lambda Literary for the 2025 Emerging Writers Retreat for LGBTQ Voices. Although I worked in the Retreat department, I still had the opportunity to communicate and learn about different programs within Lambda such as Writers in Schools and the Lammy Awards. In my position as the retreat intern, I learned about the many hats a program coordinator assumes and I was able to support the Retreat manager, Chloe Feffer, in different ways. My work ranged from creating flyers to promote the Retreat fellows’ fundraising campaigns to reviewing spreadsheet data. My time as an intern was extremely rewarding; however, I did face a challenge early on in my internship. In my first week, I spilled water on my laptop and damaged it. This was very upsetting and could have been an extreme setback, but I was able to use my internship stipend to purchase a new laptop by the time of the Retreat.
In preparation for the Retreat, I had the opportunity to present a concept for a supplemental event such as a panel, workshop, or Q&A. My mind immediately went to a blackout poetry workshop. However, as I continued to research and consider the workshop’s purpose and audience, the workshop evolved to encompass other forms of Found Poetry. Titled, “Grappling with hostile text: Found Poetry as a form of resistance,” the purpose of the workshop was to teach different techniques using Found Poetry to create agency from oppressive texts and engage with language historically ascribed to queer and BIPOC existence by governmental bodies in a generative way. After a proposal revision with my supervisor, we looked into the Lambda Literary network to identify a fitting workshop facilitator. Since the workshop materials were meant to be governmental and/or legal documents, it was important to select a facilitator that had experience with such sensitive material. Chloe suggested a previous Lambda Literary Writers Retreat faculty member, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo. Marcelo is a co-organizer of UndocuPoets, an organization that supports and uplifts undocumented migrant poets. Thanks to the UndocuPoets team, we were successful in identifying a great fit for the workshop in Leticia Priebe Rocha, an UndocuPoets 2025 Fellow. The process of conceptualizing, pitching, and executing the workshop for the Retreat was an informative and special experience. This process exemplifies my time at Lambda: my contributions were encouraged and taken seriously. I was given the space to share my experience and knowledge, which helped me grow in a personal and professional manner.
During the retreat, I had the amazing opportunity to listen to the wonderful work of the retreat faculty and fellows. Each night, I would log into zoom and be transported into fantastical worlds that explore the range of the queer experience. From erotic to comedic to sorrowful, each night was filled with love and laughter. I learned so much, both from the staff and retreat fellows, as a writer and as someone interested in creating programs that foster inclusive writing practices. The best part of my internship is that my connection with Lambda continues. I am now part of the amazing Lambda Literary network and I am confident the connections made will be long-lasting and fruitful.
Bianelly Tellez (she/her) is a scholar at heart and a poet from Hudson county that enjoys exploring poetic forms and writing about small moments that linger. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing from Drew University. That same year, she received the Robert Chapman Prize in Poetry. In 2024, she graduated from NYU with a Master’s degree in literature. She is currently working as an Adjunct Professor at Hudson County Community College. Bianelly is eager to merge her love of poetry with advocacy to foster a space for communal artistic expression.
Lambda Literary Internships
Sigma Tau Delta has developed a wonderful partnership with Lambda Literary. We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+* members of the Sigma Tau Delta community to intern with Lambda, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ literary organization. The Program Interns will work with the prestigious Lambda Literary Awards (Lammys) or Writers Retreat remotely for 15 hours per week. These internships are ideal for individuals passionate about LGBTQ+ literature and eager to gain experience in program management, communications, and event planning.
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and all emerging identities.
Eligibility
Applicants must be an active student or alumni member of Sigma Tau Delta.
How to Apply
Applications for the Lambda Literary Internships are accepted through AwardSpring during the Winter Awards Cycle: January 12 – February 2, 2026.
