Verte Fontaine​​​​​​​​​

       

 The material conditions of creation now carry as much weight as inspiration itself. Writers' residencies, supported by local authorities or cultural organizations, respond precisely to this reality. They offer a framework, time, and dedicated space, without requiring an immediately finished work.

    The writer Maylis de Kerangal reminded us that "the space where one writes influences the sentence itself." This circulation of authors also transforms the city itself. Texts produced during residencies sometimes become sensitive archives of the territory. They recount the cafés, the side streets, the local customs. A literature of attention, often more discreet, but deeply rooted.​

  The Verte Fontaine association therefore proposes to organize, manage and run writing residencies in Marseille or Barjols/Pontevès (France), in a farm in Poitou or elsewhere, open specifically to LGBTQIA+ authors with disabilities (more particularly Parkinson's disease, for which, for the moment, there is no initiative), who have published at least one book even self-published, or who have been selected or recipients in the context of the International Gay Novel Prize (created and organized by the Verte Fontaine association since 2013).

  These residences (provided by local authorities, rented by the association, loaned, or shared with sponsoring owners) will offer, starting in February 2026, a more inclusive and supportive environment. They will welcome authors experiencing homophobia and ableism for periods of two weeks to a month, staying in beautiful country houses nestled in nature in the hills of Barjols in the Var region of France, or in apartments, lofts, or other living spaces in the city center of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France, on a farm in the Poitou region, or elsewhere. Travel, accommodation, meals, laundry, and support from their caregivers are provided, allowing them to live in a supportive environment where, while creating, they will feel supported by the volunteers who assist them and by the atmosphere and quality of this creative retreat.

     

     The originality of this approach lies largely in the fact that this type of initiative does not yet exist in France, but also, and perhaps more importantly, in the fact that the organizing association, "Verte Fontaine," is involved in it in more ways than one.

​​

         Involved in individual or collective actions aimed at improving the living conditions of sexual and gender minorities, including those related to male homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, trans identity, intersexuality, non-binary identity, and any other queer identity in general.

​​

  Committed to providing support to LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities, who face double discrimination (triple discrimination if ageism is also involved for some).​​

​

      Involved in supporting literary life with the creation of an independent publishing house ("Les Editions du Frigo") and the organization of a literary prize now recognized: "the International Gay Novel Prize"​​​​​​

 

                                                           Instagram____________________________________________________​             

                                              Facebook ___________________________________________                       _________ ​ 

 

      Verte Fontaine is a non-profit organization (Association 1901) founded in Marseille in November 1980, named after the Pink-Jazz group. 50 years of existence, rich in all kinds of activities, are recounted here:

​​

     This project, for him, seemed like a natural progression.

 

   

    Verte Fontaine will continue to offer its "Festival of the Absurd" in Marseille and Barjols, as it does every year. Proof that there will certainly be plenty of joy, that peaceful force, surrounding this project. 

​

    This initiative, due to its unique nature and inclusive approach, targets approximately fifty direct beneficiaries (the authors and their caregivers) and thousands of observers, including members of the public and volunteer partners.

    Regarding our focus on a specific disability, in France, there are 7,324 LGBTQIA+ individuals, young and old, living with Parkinson's disease, often referred to as "James" by those who know it well—our close enemy.

​

     The stigmatization of people with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones already has a significant impact; it's easy to imagine the damage it can cause when compounded by the well-known and cruel stigmatization of LGBTQIA+ individuals, exacerbating social isolation, psychological distress, and diminishing quality of life.

    Arecent analysis of available resources reveals no support groups or initiatives specifically dedicated to LGBTQIA+ people with Parkinson's disease in France. However, examples of similar initiatives exist in other countries (United Kingdom, United States). These examples suggest a recognition of the need for specific support for this community but point to a potential gap in the French context.

​

​    10,000 people directly affected, along with our heroic caregivers.​

​

   But, for sure, all types of disability are taken into account in this project. In addition to quiet periods of solitary writing, the "residents" will be welcomed in bookstores, community centers, and schools for book signings or interviews. They will also be present in various meeting and creative spaces—galleries, cinemas, theaters—fostering contact with many other artists and members of the public who, at first glance, may not be concerned with disability and homosexuality, and who may even be filled with prejudice. Many people are affected and impacted.

 

    Material resources: Equipment rental, provision of supplies needed for daily meals and receptions, purchase of travel tickets for visiting writers, some coming from distant countries. Car rental, sound equipment rental... Cleaning fees...

   The locations for these creative retreats are varied and adapted to the needs, desires, and possibilities of the residents, from the village of Barjols in the Var region to the large port city of Marseille, including a farm in the Poitou region.

   Human resources: Approximately twenty volunteers, caregivers, nurses, readers, and authors will take turns providing the best possible welcome to the residents (six or seven per year, more if possible). During the resident's stay, they will also organize colloquiums, book signings, conferences, and more. Volunteers from partner associations, those working for people with disabilities and those working for the LGBT community, as well as all organizations, LGBTQIA+ centers, associations, and companies specializing in these themes, will also be involved and present.

​

     Material resources: Equipment rental, provision of supplies needed for daily meals and receptions, purchase of travel tickets for visiting writers, some coming from distant countries. Car rental, sound equipment rental... Cleaning fees...

    The locations for these creative retreats are varied and adapted to the needs, desires, and possibilities of the residents, from the village of Barjols in the Var region to the large port city of Marseille, including a farm in the Poitou region.

​

    Human resources: Approximately twenty volunteers, caregivers, nurses, readers, and authors will take turns providing the best possible welcome to the residents (six or seven per year, more if possible). During the resident's stay, they will also organize colloquiums, book signings, conferences, and more. Volunteers from partner associations, those working for people with disabilities and those working for the LGBT community, as well as all organizations, LGBTQIA+ centers, associations, and companies specializing in these themes, will also be involved and present.