English instructor publishes poetic anthology featuring emerging voices

Dr. Remi Recchia

English instructor publishes poetic anthology featuring emerging voices

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | [email protected]

Dr. Remi Recchia, a programs coordinator and adjunct composition instructor with Oklahoma State University's Department of English, recently contributed to contemporary literature with the publication of his anthology, "Transmasculine Poetics: Filling the Gap in Literature & the Silences Around Us."

The poetic anthology, released through Sundress Publications, is the second ever to exclusively highlight transmasculine voices.

"I was inspired to propose this anthology after reading 'Troubling the Line', the first poetry collection featuring trans and genderqueer poets," Recchia said. "The thought of having a piece devoted to transmasculine poets deeply resonated with me and my editing became an act of community building."

According to executive director of Sundress Publications, Erin Elizabeth Smith, the organization works to specifically uplift trans and nonbinary writers through publications, workshops and retreats.

"Sundress is so grateful for the work that Remi Recchia has done putting together this thoughtful anthology that shares so many different authors' experiences and words," Smith said. "We were particularly drawn to this theme since finding work explicitly by transmasculine voices was so difficult and having an anthology that is free and accessible online would provide an opportunity for casual readers and academics to find those voices in one place."

The anthology fills a gap in transmasculine literature in terms of eros, capturing the lived experiences of several ages. It also explores the sexual relationships of some of these poets from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds.

"I noticed that much of what is discussed in the media is focused on the physical, hormonal and social impacts of transition," Recchia said. "However, many poems in 'Transmasculine Poetics' focus instead on sexual relationships and its physical and spiritual implications."

"My biggest takeaway from creating this anthology was a sense of hunger," Recchia said, noting that he received over 200 submissions and was able to feature 36 writers. "These brilliant poems show that these writers exist and are eager to tell their stories."

Recchia said that his curiosity about emerging trends and discovering new voices led him to represent these poets so others like them could feel seen and valued.

"I hope that individuals, both inside and outside the transmasculine community, will read this and learn something new about themselves, someone they love or a stranger."

Read more about "Transmasculine Poetics" here.

Story By: Adeola Favour, CAS graduate assistant | [email protected]

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