“Poetry gives voices to those who maybe are too afraid or quiet to express themselves authentically”
BY CHLÖE DEYES, IMAGE BY HELGY / CANVA
I was introduced to poetry when I started my GCSEs. Long poems which did not resonate or connect with how I was feeling at the time. I sat there with a highlighter in one hand and made notes with the other. I did, however, enjoy understanding what the poet was trying to express, to understand why they were feeling the way they did. I often wondered what it must feel like to have a poem written about you, to make that much of an impact on someone’s life, they needed to write about you.
After completing GCSEs and A-Levels, I no longer needed to read poetry; it became a distant memory. That was until I started doom scrolling Instagram one night in 2022, and I came across poets from around the world, writing poems whichI, amongst thousands of people, liked and connected with.
I started thinking about poetry for and by queer people. What that means and how it is conveyed. As I typed in words such as queer, love and healing, Courtney Peppernell, an Australian and queer author and poet, caught my attention. This is where my newfound love for poetry blossomed.
Courtney Peppernell has created a series of four books called Pillow Thoughts, which focus on healing the heart, mending the mind and other themes which so many people can relate to. Her poems, unlike many, are written by and for women, yet this doesn’t take away the fact that anyone, no matter what their identity, can enjoy them.
Her poems make you feel warm, seek light and allow yourself to grieve and develop hope within your personal life and relationships. Peppernell’s poems are short, concise and are perfectly executed for a quick read on your journey to work or a little pick-me-up when you’ve had a tough day.
I have found myself reading multiple poems in one sitting, immersing myself in what I am feeling. Her poems have made me think about what queer love is and what that means to me. She offers a safe space within her writing, each page takes you on a journey of pre- and post-love, offers advice on when missing someone and ultimately, takes you by the hand and whispers “you will be okay”.
Peppernell’s newest edition, Out Of The Ashes, is the final instalment of her healing poetry collection. Her book focuses on when everything has burnt down, you will rise and begin again.
Similarly, the wonderfully talented American poet, Andrea Gibson, who sadly passed away in July 2025, wrote poetry which included LGBTQIA+ themes. Gibson expressed their gender through poetry, enabling the reader to understand that you can change and adapt through every part of your life; nothing is permanent. Gibson is a voice for trans and genderfluid people. Their poem Your Life tells a story of a young person who is riding the waves of self-discovery and what that means for them.
Both poets offer an outlet and inspiration to those people who may be struggling with personal identity and/or within a queer relationship. Poetry can be viewed as an archaic art form, something you read when you’re fifteen in English class, but it’s not. Poetry stands proudly in a contemporary literary space. Poetry gives voices to those who may be too afraid or quiet to express themselves authentically.
So, whenever you’re feeling upside down, lost or worried, look to poetry because it will guide you home. Whatever that home may look like.
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