Performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“My professor tells me my topic is too dark for a thesis. I tell him he wouldn’t think that if more dark people were given the chance to write one.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from José Jiménez, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Brenna Twohy, Neil Hilborn, Javon Johnson, Michael Lee, Desireé Dallagiacomo, Omar Holmon, and our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Performed at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“Consent. Definition keeps changing, especially in a relationship. I once tried to make it work with someone who didn’t like my poems. Imagine laying next to someone who cares about what goes into your mouth but not the words that come out.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Duke the Root, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Javon Johnson, Michael Lee, Azura Tyabji & Jackson Neal, Omar Holmon, and our newest release from Rachel Wiley!

Performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN

“Water might be the only thing that could ever hold us gentle.”

Don’t miss this fantastic poem from Rachel Wiley, performing at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN.

Get Rachel’s spectacular book, REVENGE BODY!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest releases from Andrea Gibson & Rachel Wiley!

Rachel Wiley is a queer, biracial poet and performer from Columbus, Ohio. She is a fellow and faculty member of the Pink Door Writing Retreat held annually for women and nonbinary writers of color in upstate New York. She is the author of two full length poetry collections Fat Girl Finishing School and Nothing is Okay, published by Button Poetry.

Rachel has represented Columbus at multiple National Poetry Slam Competitions and was a finalist twice in 2011. She has toured nationally performing at slam venues, colleges, and festivals. Her work has appeared on Upworthy, The Huffington Post, The Militant Baker, and Everyday Feminism.

“I guess that I’m always saying the wrong thing. I try to say ‘thank you for loving me,’ but instead I say ‘I’m sorry I’m so hard to love.’”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s addition: Ollie Schminkey! Congrats Poet!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Ollie Schminkey, Rachel Wiley, Neil Hilborn, Porsha Olayiwola, William Evans, Blythe Baird, Kevin Kantor, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Performed at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“I don’t want to be America’s next top martyr, so I pose. Make myself into a model minority.”

Don’t miss this incredible poem from Shasparay, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest releases from Patrick Roche & Andrea Gibson!

“I want to spill every color from this form. I want to leave a canvas sinking with the weight of my pedigree. I want to be able to look at a sunrise and not see my entire family falling to pieces.”

Congratulations to Emi Mahmoud for topping 100,000 views on this powerful poem! Watch more from Emi here and here.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Dave Harris, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest release from Andrea Gibson!

Performed at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam

“No matter who my son chooses to love, I will love all the shine in his curiosity.”

Don’t miss this great poem from Blacqwildflowr, performing at the Stonewall International Poetry Slam in Baltimore, MD.

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Rudy Francisco, Blythe Baird, George Abraham, William Evans, Rachel Wiley, and our newest releases from Patrick Roche & Andrea Gibson!

Performed in Longmont, CO

“I graffiti billboards with the page of my diary the bullies start the rumors with. I tie that page to the end of a kite string and run a crooked line through the straightest mile of the Bible Belt.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Andrea Gibson, performing in Longmont, CO.

Get Andrea’s phenomenal book, YOU BETTER BE LIGHTNING!

While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including books by Sabrina Benaim, Neil Hilborn, Michael Lee, Blythe Baird, Raych Jackson, and our newest releases from Patrick Roche & Andrea Gibson!