INCLUSIVE ROMANCE PROJECT

HEA's For Everyone.

About the Inclusive Romance Project


This project started after Kharma Kelley’s ongoing frustration with how the romance space kept proving time and time how it was struggling, or perhaps worse, oblivious to the harmful spaces that existed for romance writers of marginalized identities. Some of these spaces, though claiming to be inclusive and healthy, were allowing some members to exclude, insult and erase others.


As a Black cis-het woman writing indie romance and fantasy, Kharma witnessed the consistent harm and lack of resources that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ authors experience in this industry and wanted to provide a space to grow. In a world where certain identities are considered the “majority” and the “norm”, other social identities such as the intersection of race, gender identity, ability, and sexuality are often excluded from focus and equity.


She started a work-in-progress critique group, a Slack community and a mentorship program that pairs seasoned romance authors with fledgling writers. In an effort to offer more opportunities for learning, she is always in pursuit of programs, Q&A and presentations to help the members thrive.


Our Mission

We believe in the value of a unique voice as it reflects those of our readers. In this diverse ocean of talent, we seek to excel in the field of publishing, uplift fellow authors who struggle for visibility, and outreach to aspiring authors of marginalized identities in hopes to bring more amazing work to readers worldwide. Love is Love and we believe that everyone deserves an Happily Ever After. #representationmatters #ownvoices #WeNeedDiverseRomance


Our Goals

  • Facilitate opportunities for romance writers to excel in their craft through community and resources.

  • Provide a mentoring program where writers can receive guidance based on their writing journey.

  • Educate the romance community on opportunities to create inclusive spaces where all authors can thrive.

  • Maintain a commitment to equity for romance writers and authors of marginalized identities.

If you would like to donate to our community, your contributions will help keep IRP free with captioned workshops, support for the Slack community apps and events. Every dollar collected is invested into the Inclusive Romance Project community and programs.

What's Going On?

Romance Mentorship Program

We all need a little guidance and support in our writing career. The romance industry is full of amazing authors with experience and knowledge to dispense. A mentoring program will help those in Romancelandia grow and excel in their publishing endeavors. Learn More...

Our Slack Community

We started a Community on Slack where romance authors can meet, share information, ask questions and even exchange recipes and internet memes. Learn More...

Inclusion & Equity Workshops

We have workshops centered on how to be a more inclusive writer, understanding the harm of stereotypes and some archetypes, and promoting justice for marginalized writers of romance. We are always learning, as it should be. Learn More...

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Membership in IRP is open to all individuals who have attained the age of 18 and who agree to accept the purposes of IRP and to observe and be bound by our Code of Conduct shall be eligible to apply for membership. In order to create a safe and inclusive environment, bias and discrimination is prohibited in IRP. No member, speaker or participant in IRP or any IRP activity or function shall discriminate against another member, speaker, or participant at any IRP activity or function based on races, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, physical abilities, physical appearances, neuro(a)typicality, socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, political affiliation, nationalities, ages, religions, and beliefs.