Alex Calver 

The Letter T 

A letter to his mum, thanking her for standing by his side through gender dysphoria and transition.

Remi Graves

Towards a World Beyond Gender

Remi discusses feeling self-conscious about gender expression, and being questioned by others who want to label you (n.b. the poem finishes at the 1:30 mark and is followed by Remi’s TEDx talk).

Keith Jarrett

A Gay Poem

Keith uses the metaphor of his poem being gay to explore his own attitude to his identity. The poem includes some offensive words for being gay.

Lee Mokobe

A Powerful Poem about Being Transgender

Lee talks about his experience of being a trans man in South Africa, a country with traditional attitudes, and about being outed without his permission.

Maddie

Queeriosity

Maddie was brought up in a Methodist household, and her poem presents how she has been able to bring together her faith and her sexuality.

Ruth Sotoyé

Self Care

A simple statement of the importance of self care, and how it can be done.

Paula Varjack

I Have Always Been in Love with Words

Paula talks about the importance of words in helping her form her identity.

Dean Atta

Young, Black and Gay

A bold affirmative statement of Dean’s identity as young, black and gay.

Rayane Chami

My Soul Pays me a Visit

Rayane explores the feeling of dissociation which comes with having an eating disorder.

Joanna Hoffman

Pride

The poem explores Hoffman’s internalised shame about being gay, and the pride she felt from self-acceptance. It begins with a reference to drinking alcohol.

Bibi June

The Revolution Will Not Come

Bibi’s poem calls upon the listener to act in support of diversity and acceptance.

Becky Moses

Holding Hands with Frank O’Hara

Becky’s thoughtful poem meditates on queerness, and what it means to find affinity with past historical LGBT+ figures, here Frank O’Hara.