Patrick Ramsay is a queer Utah-based poet who was raised in and along the wetlands of the Great Salt Lake. He earned his B.A. in English & creative writing at Weber State University, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of Metaphor Literary Journal. He owns Happy Magpie Book & Quill, an independent pay-what-you-can bookshop in Ogden, Utah.

His poems focus on land, heart, and community in the West, and they have appeared in Gwarlingo, Halophyte Magazine, LQ Magazine, QSaltLake, The Signpost, Sink Hollow, The Standard-Examiner, and more. You can find more of Patrick’s work in his debut poetry chapbook, “Butterflies are Rare in Beehives”, on Instagram @writepatrick or at patrickramsaypoet.com.

Sammi Walker is an internationally ranked and 5 time published poet from Salt Lake City UT. She spends her time organizing and running events like; Salt City (Utah’s monthly slam) Page to stage (A writing and performance workshop) and coaching the youth slam scene in various high schools around the valley.

When Sammi isn’t running an event, she is competing, she has set foot on many stages around the US like; Bigfoot regional slam (2023), WOWPS (Woman of the World International Slam) (2023 and 2024) CHILL LIST (2024) and many other stages on her 2024 tour.

You can support Sammi by; Following her on social media @Sammiispoetry, buying her books and other merchandise as well as booking her for events, features and workshops!

Youri Young Joseph writes and performs under the moniker youriyoung. After releasing a small collection of his written works in his recently published book “The Gist Of It”, he has enjoyed returning to the performance stage through various slams and features. He hopes his words can reach the ears of those who needs his message most.

Holton Lee is an emerging poet based in Salt Lake City whose work centers around identity, queerness, love, and themes found in various mythologies and folklore. Drawing inspiration from both the classical forms of poetry/verse as well as the freedom and creativity of spoken word.

Jamera NaQuai is a poet and spoken word artist residing in Salt Lake City, UT. Born and raised in Kansas, she began writing at the age of 12 to cope with the relentless bullying she endured throughout elementary and middle school. Although she originally used poetry as an outlet, it quickly became a passion and an escape for her. As a spoken word artist and writer, Jamera NaQuai is a blend of social justice, empowerment, and reflection. She uses her words to discuss race, sexuality, religion, gender, and love while synchronously chronicling her experiences navigating the world as a queer black woman.

Jamera NaQuai aims to create work that further develops healthy and constructive conversations and social innovation. Additionally, Jamera makes a conscious effort to promote uncomfortable confrontations with one’s own biases and learned beliefs and values. Jamera got her first poem published at the age of 16 after participating in a writing competition for her Creative Writing class. Since then, she has performed and competed at various poetry slams, events, and open mics.

She published her debut poetry book, So Black I’m Blue in January 2022 and is the co-founder of The Platform, a poetry open mic experience that is held quarterly. She currently freelances, writing custom poems for anyone who “needs a line” for milestone events and is a member of the Utah Black Artist Collective (UBLAC).

Enan Whitby (he/they) is a trans-masculine person who writes too much about gender. He is in love with his cat Ham, procrastinating life while writing poetry, and crocheting. He is a stereotypical Capricorn. He has represented Westminster on the LOVELOUD stage, at CUPSI 2018 and 2019, and Salt Lake City in 2019 and 2022.

Andrew Earley is a prominent figure in Salt Lake City’s creative landscape, where he shines as a poet, painter, and restaurateur. As the director of AAMP Utah, a local non-profit dedicated to making under-recognized art and music accessible, Earley plays a crucial role in enriching the arts community. His poetry captures raw emotions of an angry, political, punk rocker who is torn seeing the viciousness of an unjust world and enamored by the same world’s beauty, exploring themes in how poetry and art offer opportunities for both activism and respite.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Earley owns a local vegan cafe, known for a unique dining experience and incredible vegan food. His restaurant serves as a community hub where creativity and connection flourish. Through his leadership at AAMP Utah, Earley is committed to providing a platform for emerging and overlooked artists, championing inclusivity and diverse voices in the arts. His multifaceted contributions continue to inspire and engage the Salt Lake City community, making a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Chris Atkin is a high school English teacher and poet from Orem, UT. He is a two time Pushcart Prize Nominee, a semifinalist for the Sandy Crimmins National Prize for poetry, and you can find his work featured in Last Leaves Magazine, The Lascaux Review, and Rising Phoenix Press.

Afia is a passionate artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, resonating with those who seek both inspiration and empowerment. For over a decade, she has harnessed the power of multimedia projects and spoken word to create art that is not only a reflection of personal truths but also a powerful voice for the underrepresented. Her innovative approach to art has consistently fostered inclusivity, building bridges between diverse communities and igniting social change.

Through her creative endeavors, Afia has become a beacon of hope for many, using her talents to challenge societal norms and inspire others to embrace their unique identities. Her work speaks to the heart of those who have felt marginalized, offering them a platform to be seen and heard. Afia’s art is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced.

In every project, Afia’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice shines through. She believes that art has the power to transform lives and that every story deserves to be told.  Her mission is not just to create art but to create a movement – one that amplifies the voices of the unheard and leaves a lasting impact on the world. As Afia continues her journey, her art remains a powerful force for change, inspiring countless others to join her in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world.

Liberdee Ostler (she/her) is a poet who found her passion in poetry through writing about the queer experience, love, loss, expectations, and the human experience.

She began writing poetry her sophomore year at Kearns High School, and has since followed this passion to youth, state, and even national stages. She was a member of the 2022 Utah Arts Festival Youth Slam Champion Team, #1 Utah State Youth Poet in 2022-2023, and #2 Youth Poet at the National Black Berry Peach Slam.

She hopes her writing can generate thought, empathy, and a curiosity for life while writing  about experiences and the story behind them. Find her on social media @liberdeeostler_.