This project collaboratively creates an introspective queer archive that encapsulates diverse religious experiences beyond borders, manipulating the prayer book as a mode of devotion and piety that has historically alienated queer folk and transforming its use to revere unconventionality This prayer book offers its readers a range of perspectives from 13 culturally and religiously diverse LGBTQ+ creatives, curated from an open call to queer writers in Boston and across South Asia.
The Book of Being was created to coincide with artist Anukriti's solo exhibition, "A Temple for Timeless Beasts," on view at the Boston Center for the Arts during Fall 2022.
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Photo credits: Melissa Blackall and Boston Centre for the Arts
As part of the public programming for The Book of Being, an open mic and poetry night was held at the Mills Gallery, at Boston Centre for the Arts. This event coincided with Boston Art Book Fair 2022, and was a space of communion for writers, poets, and speakers to share their reflections on the topic of queer spirituality.
Special guest poet and artist Julissa Emile led the program as Master of Ceremonies.
Julissa Emile (they/them) is a twenty-three year old transplant and chaos baby from the United States Virgin Islands. Their writing focuses on the intersections of blackness, queerness, and “if that were a garden, what kind of magic would grow from it.” They served as the FEMS slammaster from 2018-2020, and have been featured in Button Poetry, Teen Vogue, BET, and Buzzfeed.
Instagram: @motherjuniper
Special guest poet and artist Julissa Emile led the program as Master of Ceremonies.
Julissa Emile (they/them) is a twenty-three year old transplant and chaos baby from the United States Virgin Islands. Their writing focuses on the intersections of blackness, queerness, and “if that were a garden, what kind of magic would grow from it.” They served as the FEMS slammaster from 2018-2020, and have been featured in Button Poetry, Teen Vogue, BET, and Buzzfeed.
Instagram: @motherjuniper