We are thrilled to announce the line-up of poets that will be part of the Unwanted Words: Queer & Feminist Poetry Anthology. This book is a compilation of texts written by selection of poets and artists based in the Netherlandswhose works discuss topics of feminism and the queer experience from an intersectional perspective, centering on diversity and embracing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) voices.
The anthology intends to be a celebration of the stories and perspectives of our community and a snapshot of the vast and diverse talent that exists in our circles.
About the selection process:
We received over 100 applications and we were moved and delighted to read so many beautiful submissions. And even though we would’ve wanted to include everyone, we had to curate a selection of texts that we believe can represent the beautiful diversity and vision of queerness and feminism(s) that this anthology aims to present.
Unwanted Words does not see itself as a platform that determines what is good or bad poetry. For us, all works are valid and every style and type of poetry/spoken word has the power to connect with a niche of people. So the “quality” of the poetry wasn’t a deciding factor.
We originally intended to select 30 poets, however, seeing so many great applications we decided to increase the number to 50 authors featured in this first edition. However, we would like to thank all the other applicants and encourage them to continue writing and sharing their work because their voice is valued, it is important and needs to be heard.
Below you can find the list of Finalists:
1. Geoffrey van der Ven – (He/Him)
2. Daniëlle Zawadi – (She/Her)
3. Talitha Mayisha – (They/them)
4. Lily Clarisa – (She/Her)
5. Nina Vermeulen – (She/Her)
6. Jowi – (She/Her)
7. Joey Velberg – (He/Him)
8. Sarafina Paulina Bonita – (They/them)
9. Lucian Squid – (They/them)
10. Lamin Barrow – (He/Him)
11. jinxiao – (He/Him)
12. Luna Wicks – (She/Her)
13. Zaïre Krieger – (She/Her)
14. Nonomovitz – (She/Her)
15. Luis Bracamontes – (He/Him)
16. Anne Mul – (They/Other)
17. kwinnie lê – (She/Her)
18. Melody David – (She/Her)
19. Naomi Moonlion – (They/them)
20. eelkje christine bosch – (She/Her)
21. Laura Hermans – (They/them)
22. Maartje Joanna – (They/them)
23. Noli – (She/Her)
24. Levi – trash.chique – (He/Him)
25. Sandrine – (She/Her)
26. charlie – (They/them)
27. Bruce – (They/them)
28. Ari – (They/them)
29. Gracie – (She/Her)
30. Majk Mirkovic – (They/them)
31. L.L. Camelot – (She/Her)
32. Loup Siren – (They/them)
33. Kanea Blokland – (They/them)
34. Robin Jay – (She/Her)
35. Sacha Celine – (She/Her)
36. Effie Ophelders – (She/Her)
37. Little Queer Deer – (She/They)
38. Ellen – (She/Her)
39. Janneke Sars – (She/They)
40. Lisa Ndure – (She/Her)
41. Sophia Blyden– (She/They)
42. Laika (in de ruimte) – (She/Her)
43. Nana – (They/them)
44. Joey M.H. Tol – (They/them)
45. Irene – (She/Her)
46. Freddie Lian – (They/them)
47. Hasan Gök – (He/Him)
48. Shari Klein – (She/Her)
49. Félice Weiffenbach – (She/They)
50. R.E.M. Verberg – (She/Her)
The anthology will be released with the support of with the support of the Gemeente Rotterdam, Pitcher Perfect 010 and WORM on November 26th at our launch event. More info coming soon!
The Queer & Feminist Poetry Anthology is initiated by Unwanted Words Project, an award-winning platform for up & coming queer voices working with poetry and spoken word based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.