In Gorgeous Display

A young Nigerian queer poet's debut collection, Gorgeous Display, is a tribute to those lost to anti-queer violence. It explores queer male identity, effeminacy, and exile, offering meditations on desire and sanctuary, freedom, and estrangement. The poems portray familial relationships, safety, fear, and anxiety, as well as the scars of queer displacement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

In Gorgeous Display, a remarkable debut collection by Nigerian poet Ugochukwu Damian Okpara, the author pays tribute to the lives lost to anti-queer violence in Nigeria and around the world. This first full-length collection of Okpara's work delves into the complexities of queer male identity, effeminacy, and exile, offering profound meditations on desire, sanctuary, freedom, and estrangement.

Through forty-three powerful poems, Okpara explores the intricate tapestry of familial relationships, safety, fear, and anxiety, portrayed through the outward manifestation of hand tremors, queer lynching, survival, hope, the emptiness of exile, and the process of reclaiming the self.

What sets Gorgeous Display apart is Okpara's unwavering commitment to embracing the ephemeral and spiritual nature of physical beauty. In these poems, he skillfully weaves together vivid imagery and sensory details to create a vivid portrait of the human experience, both in its mundane and extraordinary aspects.

However, Okpara's exploration of queer displacement is not without its poignant moments of introspection. He delves into the scars left by the experience of leaving home, revealing the complexities and contradictions that accompany this journey. The ache of abandonment can haunt a life lived in the present, reminding us of the enduring impact of past traumas and the ongoing struggle for belonging.

In Gorgeous Display, Okpara offers a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the queer community. Through his words, he challenges societal norms, celebrates individuality, and advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate world. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of the human experience and explore the complexities of gender and sexuality.

In conclusion, Gorgeous Display is a stunning debut collection that showcases the remarkable talent and vision of Nigerian poet Ugochukwu Damian Okpara. Through his poetic prowess, Okpara invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity, desire, and the human condition, offering us a glimpse into the lives of those marginalized and forgotten. This collection is a testament to the power of poetry to heal, inspire, and transform.

Weight: 92g
Dimension: 127 x 203 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531504601