Queer Bodies for the Student Body (PR)

 

Queer Bodies for the Student Body

How Liverpool’s Young LGBTQ+ Are Finding Inclusive Platforms in Poetry

Delphie Levy-Jones (for WoWFest 2021)

A panel of critically acclaimed poets will take to your virtual stages on the 22^{nd of} May 2021, bringing you a much-needed Northern burst of creativity, diversity and artistic excellence. Ideal, and even more so imperative, for students in the heat of our current political climate, Queer Bodies Collective join WoWFest to ignite passion, inspire action and challenge the taboo.

With pressing issues tackled and turned into literary craft, multi award-winning poet, playwright, author and editor Joelle Taylor leads the influential discussion into social justice. Described by Writing on the Wall as ‘explosive and radical’, the collective’s queer northern writers verse sensitive yet compelling poems concerning immigration laws and borders, mental health issues such as eating disorders, and experiences of assault.  

Many global and unjust issues have motivated an intense discourse amongst the student population as of recent. From the far-right fight against trans lives, the tragic death of Sarah Everard and the overdue safety debate for all women, to the UK government’s neglective treatment of university students during the pandemic. The younger generation feel silenced. The underrepresented not only need a community, but are begging to be heard, and battling for a voice.

These conversations are crucial and present. With poets becoming the philosophical politicians, Queer Bodies invites impassioned students to the power of artistic activism.

From the safety and comfort of your own home, the 6pm panel discussion with poetic readings will create the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere any young LGBTQ+ student, minority or aspiring writer may desire. With concession tickets available, not only to students, but to those receiving benefits, over 60 or frontline workers, WoWFest ensures an accessible and affordable experience.

Joelle Taylor’s upcoming bestseller C+nto and Othered Poems gives insight into debates discussed across the panel. Taylor’s exploration into sexuality, gender and stories of protest, self-expression and survival are described by renowned poet Hollie McNish as “visionary” and “powerful” poetry. C+nto surrounds the notion that the female body is a political space, and is available for pre-order.

Writing on the Wall and their annual literary festivals are not novice to the diligent nature of the Northern strive for equality. Born from the 90’s Liverpool Dockers Strike, WoW understands the transformative ability of the arts, a weapon for resistance, change and healing. With community at its heart, the inclusion of students in their events is fundamental. The voices and views of the future deserve to be represented, supported and valued. WoWFest’ s collaboration with Queer Bodies Collective aim to generate long-term impact and lasting effect.

“Joelle Taylor’s poetry roars and soars and conjures up the most extraordinary images to express the unsayable, the shocking and ultimately the great compassion she feels for the plight of women around the world’

Bernardine Evaristo – Author and Joint Winner of the Booker Prize 2019

 

“WoW promotes change whilst highlighting and tackling social and economic injustice. We aim to inspire personal and social transformation through writing and creativity. With a focus on writing which empowers we work with communities to gain strength through creativity.”

Madeline Heneghan & Mike Morris – WoW Co-Directors

 

“These poems of witness are a reckoning, where the poet says - woman I am you, I see you, I feel you.”

 Malika Booker – Writer, Poet, Artist

Venture further into Queer Bodies Featuring Joelle Taylor here Queer Bodies featuring Joelle Taylor | Writing on the Wall and purchase your tickets here Queer Bodies featuring Joelle Taylor Tickets, Sat 22 May 2021 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

View the full festival programme here Writing on the Wall - Supporting Writing in Liverpool and gain access to the entire festival with a WoWFest Pass here WoWFest Festival Pass Tickets | Eventbrite

Find out more about who WoW are here Learn More About Us | Writing on the Wall and purchase Joelle’s Taylor’s C+nto and Othered Poems here C+nto and Othered Poems by Joelle Taylor - News From Nowhere Radical & Community Bookshop, Liverpool

Stay up to date with Queer Bodies Collective website and social medias here Home | Liverpool queer poetry collective (wixsite.com) and @queerbodiespoetrycollective (Instagram), as well as festival announcements through WoWFest social medias @wowfest (Twitter) and @wow_fest (Instagram)