Roadmap Writers Announces First LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship Winners

On June 18, Los Angeles‑based screenwriting education platform Roadmap Writers revealed the inaugural recipients of its new LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship, a program designed to spotlight queer storytellers.

The four writers—Nikki Palumbo, Teresa Jusino, Kevin Wolfe, and Edwin Domachowski—earned the fellowship by submitting a three‑minute recorded pitch, a one‑page personal essay, and the first 25 pages of their scripts. Their selections will lead to virtual pitch roundtables later this month, where they will present to a panel of queer executives from Amazon, ABC, Gersh, These Pictures, Circle Management, Buchwald Agency, and other industry partners.

Roadmap Writers said the fellowship is intended to “elevate queer voices and connect queer storytellers and industry professionals.” The company added that “at a time when audiences are craving more authentic representation, queer creatives continue to bring some of the most vital, emotionally honest, and culturally important perspectives to the entertainment industry.” It further noted that “there is still a strong need for stories that move beyond stereotypes and reflect the complexity, joy, challenges, and humanity of LGBTQ+ experiences.”

Founded in 2016 by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley, Roadmap Writers has built a curriculum that includes online classes taught by executives, managers, agents, producers, and writers. The platform claims to have helped more than 500 writers secure representation, with placements at agencies such as Kaplan/Perrone, Echo Lake, Good Fear, Anonymous Content, 3 Arts, Artists First, Industry Entertainment, Fourth Wall Management, and CAA.

Alumni of Roadmap’s programs have landed projects on major platforms, including Paramount+’s Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Amazon’s Reacher and We Were Liars, Netflix’s Fubar, CW’s The Flash, and Fox’s The Resident.

The LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship is part of Roadmap’s broader commitment to diversity. In its announcement, the company said the initiative “is not just about one week of pitches; it’s about creating opportunities, building community, and helping queer creatives gain visibility in an industry where representation behind the scenes matters just as much as representation onscreen.” The fellowship will provide the winners with direct access to executives who understand the importance of authentic storytelling.

The virtual pitch roundtables are scheduled for the week of June 22. According to Roadmap’s website, the sessions will allow the four writers to present their projects to a panel of queer executives and receive feedback and potential development opportunities.

Roadmap’s 10th anniversary in 2026 highlighted the company’s track record of turning emerging talent into industry partners. The platform’s success stories include writers who have staff‑written for hit shows such as Bridgerton and Cobra Kai.

The fellowship’s four recipients come from diverse backgrounds. Nikki Palumbo, Teresa Jusino, Kevin Wolfe, and Edwin Domachowski each brought unique perspectives to their pitches, though the specific themes of their scripts have not been disclosed publicly.

Roadmap Writers will continue to support queer writers through its educational programs and industry connections. The upcoming pitch roundtables represent the next step for the fellowship winners, who will have the opportunity to present their work to executives who are actively seeking inclusive stories.

As the entertainment industry continues to seek authentic LGBTQ+ narratives, Roadmap’s initiative provides a structured pathway for queer writers to connect with decision‑makers and potentially secure development deals.