Exploring Gender: Poetry--Kavindu "Kavi" Ade Performing "IT"

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Published on Sunday, 09 September 2012 22:40

Written by Cael

Poetry can say so much we can’t quite get out, we can’t quite get on the page in any other way. Words are so powerful, and it is hard to find ways often to describe feelings. Sometimes we don’t have the vocabulary or the eloquence to relate exactly our emotions. All experiences within the trans* community differ, but some things are universal. I have found several trans* poets and poems which capture so much the feelings surrounding the experience of being a trans* individual and how we interact with the world.

Kavindu “Kavi” Ade, a poet originally from Brooklyn, NY, who came onto the Philadelphia slam scene back in 2009, competing with the Philadelphia Youth Poetry team. He competed with the team at Brave New Voices and the International Youth Poetry Slam Competition in Chicago. You can read more about Kavi here.

Kavi’s poem "IT"

The whole poem is incredibly powerful. Just so beautifully done. The line which repeatedly catches me though is, “You aren’t human here.” Kavi captures that feeling of being outside of where society dictates you should be and how that affects your day to day life, how you become less than human to some people. And also that sense of danger which comes from existing outside of the gender binary.

I am always looking for new poems and poets, so if you know of other trans* poets, or poets who deal with gender in anyway, pass them along with a message on here or visit my tumblr. And let us know what you think of  Kavi’s performance.

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  catb

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  I'm glad you enjoyed it. I try to bring in some poetry every once in a while. I'm a huge fan of spoken word. Let me know if you want me to pass along any other recommendations. I'm always happy to share.

  about 8 months ago http://maps.google.com/maps?z=15&q=,

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  Guest (Thalas'shaya)

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  I loved it! That was a terrific performance of a terrific poem.

  about 8 months ago http://maps.google.com/maps?z=15&q=,

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