
As a poet and activist, I've learned that these two roles are inseparable parts of who I am. My poetry serves as both a mirror reflecting my personal experiences and truths, and a window through which others can glimpse perspectives and experiences that may differ from their own. Every poem I publish carries the weight of purpose – to challenge, to inspire, and to create meaningful change in our world.
As a poet, I use words to explore, to heal, and to challenge. As an activist, I use my voice to advocate, to educate, and to inspire change. This melding of poetry and activism allows me to explore, raise awareness and advocate for social and political issues while fostering a sense of hope and connection.
The Intersection of Art and Action
My journey as a poet and activist began in Lancaster, PA, but it has taken me far beyond the neighborhoods of my childhood. As an Army veteran turned diversity consultant, I've seen firsthand how words can bridge divides and transform understanding. Through my role as founder and CEO of FIC Human Resources and my service on various boards and commissions, I've learned that activism takes many forms – sometimes it roars, and sometimes it whispers.
Each of my poetry collections has addressed different topics that I believe need to be explored.
Dive Bars & Empty Glasses explores themes of addiction, despair, and hope, providing a safe space for readers to confront their own struggles. It breaks down stigmas around mental health, addiction, and suicide by offering an unflinching yet compassionate look at these struggles, creating safe spaces for readers to confront their own challenges while emphasizing that hope and help are always available.
Captured Moments promotes mindfulness and gratitude, reminding us that self-care is essential. It approaches mental health activism through a different lens, demonstrating how mindfulness and appreciation of everyday beauty can be powerful tools for healing and self-care, especially for those battling depression and anxiety.
Tantrums and Tempests delves into social and political issues, challenging readers to confront privilege, bias, and systemic injustice. It delivers pointed social and political commentary, addressing crucial issues including LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, anti-war advocacy, environmentalism, religious and political extremism, death penalty abolition, and gun control reform, serving as both witness and call to action.
Glass Hearts & Broken Pedestals explores love and relationships from my perspective as a panromantic, asexual transwoman. It advances LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance, helping to normalize and celebrate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Shooting Stars and Origami Swans chronicles my journey of self-discovery and transformation, offering a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths. It furthers transgender awareness and acceptance by offering an intimate journey through gender identity and transition, providing both hope for other trans individuals and deeper understanding for allies and the broader community.
Activism doesn't always wear the face we expect. Sometimes it looks like a policy change, sometimes like a protest sign, and sometimes like a poem that helps someone feel less alone. My goal has always been to change the world one positive experience at a time, whether through my work as a diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging professional, volunteering, my activism efforts or, through poetry that speak to the heart.
Poetry and activism share a common purpose - both seek to illuminate truth and inspire. When combined, they become something greater than the sum of their parts – a voice that can speak to power while also whispering hope to those who need it most.
My work as a poet-activist continues to evolve, but my purpose remains constant - to use my voice, my experiences, and my platform to make the world a better place. Whether I'm writing about personal struggles, social justice, or the quiet beauty of everyday moments, each word is chosen with purpose, each line crafted with the hope of making our world a little more understanding, a little more inclusive, and a little more just.
Through my poetry and activism, I work to make the world a better place. Being a poet and activist means being both witness and warrior, observer and advocate, chronicling our struggles while fighting for something better.
What does it mean to be both a poet and an activist?
For me, it means using my creative voice to challenge norms, foster empathy, and inspire action. It means writing with purpose, living with intention, and working to create a more just and compassionate world. Poetry and activism are not separate paths; they are two sides of the same coin. Together, they empower me to not only imagine a better world but to help build it, one word, one action at a time.
You can purchase Shooting Stars and Origami Swans at your favorite bookseller.
My collections available on Amazon
Shooting Stars and Origami Swans
Comments