June is National Pride Month, and the Storm Lake Public Library will celebrate with a special presentation.
The event will be via an online link with Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr, who is a nationally acclaimed poet, novelist, educator, advocate, and public speaker. The presentation will be held at the library on Wednesday, June 4th beginning at 4pm. Local resident Hugo Perez Loa will read selections from Carner’s poetry. Refreshments will be provided.
The event is sponsored by a Random House United Libraries grant.
Carver was named Kentucky Teacher of the Year for 2022, but was forced to leave his career, citing discrimination. Later that same year, he testified before the Congressional Oversight Committee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. He has appeared on Good Morning America, speaking about the need for stories that reflect students’ life experiences.
His poetry and creative writing have been published in anthologies and multiple magazines.
Carver’s collection of narrative poetry, “Gay Poems for the Red States,” has garnered many honors, including Book Riot’s Best Book of the Year, American Booksellers Association’s must-have book for poetry lovers award, Top 10 Best Book of Appalachia, Stonewall Book Award honoree, and 2023 American Library Association “Over the Rainbow” book list award.
He also authored the fiction novel “Shortchanged,” and has recently completed a forthcoming second novel.
Carver serves as director of the KY120 United AFT LGBTQ+ Taskforce, and advocates tirelessly to create safe climates in schools, and opposing anti-LGBTQ+-legislation targeting youth. His outspoken advocacy led to a personal engagement with former President Biden as well as his testimony before members of Congress. He has delivered keynote addresses across the country on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of LGBTQ+-inclusive education.
