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Jillian Christmas

ジリアン・クリスマス

Jirian Kurisumasu

Profile

Gender
Female
Nationality
Canada
Languages
English
Residence History
Vancouver, British Columbia → Toronto

Career

Occupations
poet, spoken word artist, children's book author, artistic director
Active Years
2016-2024
Affiliations
Verses Festival of Words, Vancouver (former artistic director)
Nominations
Gerald Lampert Award shortlist (The Gospel of Breaking), Pat Lowther Award shortlist (The Gospel of Breaking)

Awards

Sheri-D Wilson Golden Beret Award
2021
Category: spoken word poetry
Organization: League of Canadian Poets
Result: winner
Dayne Ogilvie Prize
2021
Category: LGBTQ
Organization: Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ Canadian writers
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Gospel of Breaking

2020 poetry collection

Poetry collection focusing on identity, family, community, political beliefs, sexuality, love, friendship. Explores Tobagan roots.

anti-colonial narrativesfamilyheritageidentityoppressionBlack queernessfemininitycommunity

The Magic Shell

children's book

Children's book.

My Sweet Baby Book

children's book

Children's book that debuted at #6 on the BC Bestseller List.

Style & Themes

Literary Style
spoken word poetryemotional narrative
Recurring Motifs
colonialismoppressionFirst Nations territoriesTobagan heritagequeer experiences

Legacy

Noted Canadian poet, 2021 winner of Sheri-D Wilson Golden Beret Award. First Canadian to reach finals at Women of the World Poetry Slam. Queer writer focusing on anti-colonial themes.

In Popular Culture

  • Poetry featured in Matrix, Huffington Post, etc.

Trivia

  • First Canadian to make the final stage at the Women of the World Poetry Slam.
  • Queer.
  • Former artistic director of Vancouver's Verses Festival of Words.