Queer and Trans Artists of Color, volumes 1, 2 & 3!
L to R: Anthony J. Williams (artist), Maliha Ahmed (co-editor), Nia King (co-editor) and Luna Merbruja (artist). Photo by Tim Abad.
A celebration of queer and trans Black and brown genius…
Vivek Shraya, featured in volume two, holding volume one.
Is it possible to make art and make rent without compromising your values? Nia King set out to answer this question when she started We Want the Airwaves podcast in 2013. In her Queer & Trans Artists of Color book series, Nia collects podcast interviews -- with Black, Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous LGBTQ writers, musicians and visual artists — which feature both incredible storytelling and practical advice.
In the latest installment,
Queer & Trans Artists of Color, Volume Three, she discusses
performing at the White House with VENUS SELENITE,
the global nature of colorism with KAMAL AL-SOLAYLEE,
writing for Marvel Comics with GABBY RIVERA,
using lies to tell unspeakable truths with KAI CHENG THOM,
Black mental health with ANTHONY J. WILLIAMS,
curating diverse anthologies with JOAMETTE GIL,
growing up trans in rural Idaho with MEY RUDE,
covering crime as a baby-faced reporter with SAM LEVIN,
feminist approaches to journalism with SARAH BURKE,
documenting Black punk history with OSA ATOE,
crossing color lines with QWO-LI DRISKILL,
fat hairy brown goddesses with PARADISE KHANMALEK,
the usefulness of anger with JIA QING WILSON-YANG,
transitioning as death and rebirth with ARIELLE TWIST,
surviving homelessness and touring the world with
STAR AMERASU and much, much more.
In the latest installment,
Queer & Trans Artists of Color, Volume Three, she discusses
performing at the White House with VENUS SELENITE,
the global nature of colorism with KAMAL AL-SOLAYLEE,
writing for Marvel Comics with GABBY RIVERA,
using lies to tell unspeakable truths with KAI CHENG THOM,
Black mental health with ANTHONY J. WILLIAMS,
curating diverse anthologies with JOAMETTE GIL,
growing up trans in rural Idaho with MEY RUDE,
covering crime as a baby-faced reporter with SAM LEVIN,
feminist approaches to journalism with SARAH BURKE,
documenting Black punk history with OSA ATOE,
crossing color lines with QWO-LI DRISKILL,
fat hairy brown goddesses with PARADISE KHANMALEK,
the usefulness of anger with JIA QING WILSON-YANG,
transitioning as death and rebirth with ARIELLE TWIST,
surviving homelessness and touring the world with
STAR AMERASU and much, much more.
Here's what people are saying about Queer and Trans Artists of Color...
Irene McCalphin, featured in volume one, holding volume two.
"Queer and Trans Artists of Color, Volume 2 continues to amplify beautiful voices that need to be heard. Refreshingly honest and illuminating, these interviews combine to form a powerful statement on the journey of the artist, and the person behind the art, towards creating a world where we can all thrive as our true selves.”
- Mat Johnson, author of Loving Day and Pym
“Nia King once again provides a vital space where LGBTQ artists of color can share their unique experiences working in their creative fields. This volume, like its predecessor, will be a must-read for years to come.”
- Hari Kondabolu, writer and comedian
“This book shines a spotlight on QTPOC artists, activists and self-proclaimed weirdos, a group who rarely receive such attention.
Through fluid and compelling conversations with King, readers learn about the creative processes, identities, organizing, and politics that inform their art. This is a beautiful archive as well as a rich source of information for creative people seeking inspiration.”
- Farzana Doctor, author of All Inclusive and Six Metres of Pavement
- Mat Johnson, author of Loving Day and Pym
“Nia King once again provides a vital space where LGBTQ artists of color can share their unique experiences working in their creative fields. This volume, like its predecessor, will be a must-read for years to come.”
- Hari Kondabolu, writer and comedian
“This book shines a spotlight on QTPOC artists, activists and self-proclaimed weirdos, a group who rarely receive such attention.
Through fluid and compelling conversations with King, readers learn about the creative processes, identities, organizing, and politics that inform their art. This is a beautiful archive as well as a rich source of information for creative people seeking inspiration.”
- Farzana Doctor, author of All Inclusive and Six Metres of Pavement
You can find the Queer & Trans Artists of Color book series at:
People's Books & Culture in Philly // Bindlestiff Books in Philly
East Bay Booksellers in Oakland // Pegasus Books in Berkeley
Skylight Books in LA // Seite Books in LA // Left Bank in Seattle // Glass Box in Seattle
Orí Gallery in Portland // A Room of One's Own in Madison
Bluestockings in NYC // Quimby's in NYC // Burning Books in Buffalo
Red Emma's in Baltimore // Quimby's in Chicago // Glad Day in Toronto
Nia's online store (copies will be signed!) // Amazon.com
East Bay Booksellers in Oakland // Pegasus Books in Berkeley
Skylight Books in LA // Seite Books in LA // Left Bank in Seattle // Glass Box in Seattle
Orí Gallery in Portland // A Room of One's Own in Madison
Bluestockings in NYC // Quimby's in NYC // Burning Books in Buffalo
Red Emma's in Baltimore // Quimby's in Chicago // Glad Day in Toronto
Nia's online store (copies will be signed!) // Amazon.com