Gay poems for red states
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2024) —"Gay Poems for Red States," a collection of poems penned by advocate, educator, and wordsmith Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr., has garnered recognition as an honor book within the 2024 Stonewall Book Award - Barbara Gittings Literature Award lineup.
The award, which is backed by the Rainbow Round Table (previously known as the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table) of the American Library Association and established in 1971, gives acknowledgement to literary works that exhibit notable merit concerning the LGBTQIA+ lived experience. "Gay Poems for Red States" also appears within ALA's curated 'Over the Rainbow' Top Ten Book List.
Carver's poetry compilation, brought to the shelves via the University Press of Kentucky during June of 2023, unveils his own individual journey as a gay individual coming of age throughout Appalachia, as well as his pursuing a life brimming with appeal, dignity, not to mention acceptance.
'I am extremely delighted,' Carver expressed. 'The only thing I've ever wished for was for queer youth, particularly those from rural communities and Appalachia, to know they're acknowledged, powerful, and cherished. My hope is that this amplifies those feelings. I gratefully take this award to celebrate them.'
The panel composing the 2024 Stonewall Book Awards Committee considered the literary work "moving, accessible, as well as exceedingly relatable." Other recipients also being honored are: "GHOST :: SEEDS" by Sebastian Merrill, "More Sure: Poems and Interruptions" by A. Light Zachary, in addition to "The Skin and Its Girl: A Novel" by Sarah Cypher. "Freedom House" penned by KB Brookins, was announced to be the Stonewall Book Awards - Barbara Gittings Literature Award for Poetry recipient during 2024.
Acclaim for "Gay Poems for Red States":
- 'While the subject matter frequently takes on a somber tone, it is handled with both grace and wit. The compilation of poems highlights a Southern, impoverished, queer youth navigating the challenges of merely surviving; they are in pursuit of moments providing comfort.'—Foreword Reviews
- 'Gay Poems for Red States holds a strong, unyielding voice which rings forth magnificently above the noise and opposition felt from discriminatory legislative actions. The verses contained also celebrate a location frequently associated with oppression, racism, and acts of discrimination, highlighting the restorative traits found inside a misunderstood natural terrain that has historically and selfishly had its natural reserves taken away. Gay Poems for Red States is both immediate and critical, arriving at a pivotal moment in education, within society, and the world of publishing.'—Southern Review of Books
'Gay Poems for Red States" was spotlighted on the program 'Good Morning America' due to the work inspiring LGBTQIA+ youth located in rural areas, and furthermore selected by Book Riot as one of their 'Best Books of 2023.'
Throughout his career, Carver has been dedicated to helping students discover their drive and their calling. Having been honored as the 2022 'Kentucky Teacher of the Year,' he then proceeded to act as an ambassador to the Kentucky Department of Education, where he constructed a platform advocating for inclusion and assistance pertaining to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, in addition to Appalachian learners. He shares his thoughts, presenting on the subjects of education, marginalization, as well as identity, while his personal experience has gained recognition through ABC, CBS, PBS, NPR, and even The Washington Post, not to mention Le Monde. Currently, Carver is a degree candidate seeking a Master of Fine Arts in poetry at the University of Kentucky, and his creative literary efforts have been featured in 100 Days in Appalachia, 2RulesofWriting, Another Chicago Magazine, Largehearted Boy Blog, Smoky Blue Literary Magazine, and also Good River Review.
During 2022, Carver gave testimony before the House Subcommittee regarding Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding the necessity for safeguards for LGBTQIA+ pupils, instructors, along with staff employed within schools. Being an academic advisor within the Gatton College of Business and Economics located at the University of Kentucky, he is committed to assisting as well as motivating students, helping them to locate their best direction going onward. Carver is an active board member for the Kentucky Youth Law Project (which offers assistance to LGBTQIA+ youths within Kentucky who have legal needs) plus he acts as a re-occurring cohost and contributing board representative for Progress Kentucky.