Writing the Queer in Hostile Times: A Pride Month Literary Panel

Join Gemini Ink on Thursday, June 29th, to wrap up Pride Month 2023 with a timely and intimate literary discussion about current events and their relationship to the written and spoken word.

This event, including featured authors Chibbi Orduña, Kit Curá, and Anel I. Flores, will offer a safe space to discuss how these divisive times affect LGBTQ+ writers and how these writers wield the literary arts to push back against current hostilities, celebrate who they are, and question societal expectations. Moderated by Mary Reading.

Kit Curá (they/them) is a nonbinary butch lesbian currently living in Houston, Texas. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, they moved to the United States at the age of six, yet they diligently cultivate a connection to their Latine heritage and identity. A graduate of Trinity University (with a B.A. in English) and Texas State University (with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing), Curá ultimately aims to use their passions for creating, community outreach, and LGBTQ storytelling to uplift queer and trans youth (particularly those from underrepresented communities) through the stories that they create, telling them: “we are worth fighting for, protecting, and loving; and, if no one else is willing to do these things for us, then we will do them for each other.”

Anel I. Flores is a trans-, queer Latina/x writer, artist, activist and life-coach. They are a visionary creative whose extensive body of work captures the essence of LGBTQIA+ experiences. Her contributions to art, education, literature, advocacy, and community-building have left an indelible mark. Anel’s areas of expertise encompass various themes such as Latina/x literature, sexuality, gender, race/border/diaspora, spirituality, body, and blood memory. With an MFA in Creative Writing, Anel I. Flores is a highly accomplished author, having penned notable works like chapbook titled “La Fea” and the Lambda literary award-nominated book, “Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas.” Additionally, her upcoming novel, “Cortinas de Lluvia,” is set to be released in 2024 along with the 2nd edition of Empanada, doubled with a Spanish translation. Anel’s literary contributions can be found in esteemed publications such as Switchgrass Review, Camino Real, the Fifth Wednesday Journal, RiverSEdge, Entre Guadalupe y Malinche, Rooted: Queer Women of Color Anthology, Sinister Wisdom, Raspa Magazine, iungo Arts Magazine, the Lodestar Quarterly, The Pitkin Literary Review, and La Voz.

M.R. “Chibbi” Orduña is a Mexican-born, Texas-raised queer poet, performer, publisher, producer and community organizer, Editor in Chief & Director of Virtual Programming at Write About Now Publishing and The Mixtape Literary Journal, and director and co-host of the Words and Sh*t and After 2 Tequila Shots podcasts. They are a 2022 Tin House fellow, and have self-published 2 books, been a finalist for the 2021 Wax Nine Chapbook Competition and 2022 Robert Phillips Chapbook Competition, and the co-editor of the anthology Contra: Texas Poets Speak Out (Flowersong Press, 2020). Their work has appeared or is forthcoming in Texas Review, Wax Wing, Los Angeles Poet Society, Acentos Review, The Latino Book Review Magazine, Buzzfeed, We are Mitu, and Button Poetry. Their videos have over 1 million views across social media platforms. You can find them on IG @gemineyes and on Twitter @gemineyespoetry.

Mary Reading teaches English and Literature classes at Northwest Vista Colleges. A Pennsylvania native, Mary is currently working on her PhD in Literature and Criticism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The title of their dissertation is “Transformation: From Drag to Transgender Representation in Film and Television.” Their prospective graduation date is December 2023. They enjoy spending time with their cats and dog, Brie, Feta, and Gouda, and traveling in their free time.