When Raymond Luczak was growing up deaf in a hearing Catholic family of nine children, his mother shared conflicting stories about having had a miscarriage after-or possibly around-the time he was conceived. As an elegy to his lost twin, this book asks: If he had a twin, just how different would his life have been?
The narrative explores the omnipresence of ghosts, delving into their impact on the living and the stories they carry. Through a blend of folklore and personal accounts, it examines themes of memory, loss, and the unresolved past. The book invites readers to reflect on the connections between the spectral and the real, revealing how these ethereal beings influence emotions and relationships. Each chapter uncovers different cultural perspectives on ghosts, making it a rich tapestry of haunting tales and insights.
Set against the backdrop of the pristine forests of Upper Michigan, the narrative invites readers to explore the beauty and tranquility of nature. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, the author captures the essence of the wilderness, highlighting its impact on the human spirit. The journey is not just physical but also a deep dive into themes of solitude, connection to the earth, and the healing power of nature, making it a compelling read for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration.
The collection features four plays that center on Deaf characters, showcasing their experiences and the intricacies of their community. Through engaging narratives, these works highlight the unique perspectives and challenges faced by Deaf individuals, offering insight into their culture and communication. Each play is crafted to emphasize the richness of Deaf storytelling, making it a compelling exploration of identity and connection.
In this collection of essays, Raymond Luczak once again offers readers powerful and deeply personal reflections on his experiences as a Deaf gay man. He begins his journey with the printed word where lipreading is not required, and discovers a family of sorts through the writings of Walt Whitman and others; he ventures deeper into the queer community with thoughts on ageism, disability, and radical faeries. Luczak explores the many nuances within the Deaf community and the audist attitudes of hearing people, particularly in the media, and takes a detour into ASL gloss poetry. He speculates on what the Deaf community will look like a century from now and ends with a long bike ride that celebrates the ongoing questions of being a Deaf gay man.
Exploring the intersection of art and deafness, this tenth anniversary edition features Raymond Luczak's reflections on the evolving landscape for deaf artists since its original publication in 2002. Through concise and provocative insights drawn from his experiences as a poet, playwright, and filmmaker, Luczak challenges the conventions surrounding both art and deaf identity. His call for introspection encourages artists to break free from societal constraints and engage with their work in transformative ways, inviting dialogue and debate.
Featuring fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and comics by 48 writers from around the world, QDA: A Queer Disability Anthology proves that intersectionality isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a penetrating and unforgettable look into the hearts and souls of those defiant enough to explore their own vulnerabilities and demonstrate their own strengths. “Queer sexuality and disability places me so far outside the realms of the everyday that it renders people silent.” —Jax Jacki Brown QDA is a gathering of people with the transformative—and political—power of love that transcends gender and ability. Ignorance is the biggest barrier. “I feel exhilarated that you might actually accept me as a sexual being; that you might see the deliciousness that is my disability.” —Andrew Morrison-Gurza “An anthology often creates a community. In this respect, QDA is truly groundbreaking because it brings two wonderful communities together. There is not a single style, genre, or opinion in the book, but an orchestra of voices. Their seminal works mirror—and do not mirror—each other. Taken together, they light a brilliant path of honesty.” —Jennifer Bartlett, co-editor of Beauty Is a Verb: The New Poetry of Disability
Exploring the intersection of identity, this book delves into the unique experiences of being a Deaf gay man. It highlights the challenges and triumphs faced within both the Deaf community and the LGBTQ+ world. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the author navigates issues of communication, acceptance, and self-discovery, offering a profound reflection on belonging and representation. The narrative aims to provide understanding and support for those on similar journeys, making it a vital read for both Deaf and hearing audiences.
If objects could talk, what sort of things would they say?Through a rapid-series of short poems Raymond Luczak, author of seven acclaimed poetry collections such as Mute (A Midsummer Night’s Press) and The Kiss of Walt Whitman Still on My Lips (Squares & Rebels), imagines the inner lives of inanimate objects. We learn what it’s like to be a dressing room mirror, a bobby pin, a discarded mattress, a stapler, a credit card, a hearing aid, and a bagful of marbles among other things.
The Kinda Fella I Am continues Raymond Luczak's extraordinary string of outstanding books. Delving into our deep needs for human connection, Luczak imagines the world as seen by queer disabled men. This lens allows him to interrogate everyday situations through lives that experience multiple marginalizations. How does a queer disabled man navigate dating and sex? Is there a Mr. Right? Or even a Mr. Right Now? This collection of short stories focusing on gay men with disabilities offers readers a rare glimpse behind the curtains of these often-invisible people.