Latest from Gwen Benaway
Pandemic Diaries
'Was it always this lonely to be alive?' A poet's search for hope in self-isolation
Alone in a tiny high-rise apartment with her dog, Gwen Benaway is holding onto moments of intimacy and the words of queer writers.
Yes, Canadian rom-coms are their own thing — and they say more about us than you might think
In the underappreciated subgenre, it's as much about the places as the people.
Point of View
On the importance of trans joy — even if it's just finding comfort in watching Schitt's Creek
Gwen Benaway believes that joy is essential to survival, especially as the world gets darker and more difficult for trans folks.
These '90s singer-songwriters kicked down the door for shameless feminism and vulnerability
Canadian chanteuses like Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette and Deborah Cox sang about their lives without filtering out any of the realness.
How watching YTV in the '90s influenced an entire generation of artists to 'keep it weird'
YTV's strange and often surreal programming choices created a wave of cultural phenomena that was uniquely Canadian and the best kind of weird.
Point of View
7 years later, Being Erica is still dismantling myths of young womanhood
On the anniversary of the series finale, writer Gwen Benaway celebrates the TV show's "vibrant emotional heart."
Point of View
Decolonial love: These Indigenous artists are taking back the self-love that colonialism stole
Meet the two-spirit and queer Indigenous creators fighting back against racism, sexism, transphobia and homophobia by celebrating "decolonial love."
Point of View
These are groundbreaking times for trans literature — here are your essential reads
From poetry to young adult fiction, trans writing has never been this visible. Poet Gwen Benaway shares your 'Trans Lit 101' reading list.
Point of View
I'm a trans artist, so don't assume I'm queer
What will it take for trans voices to be heard as distinct? Poet Gwen Benaway shares why she stopped taking offers to write about queer issues.
Point of View
How to write about your ex-lovers without feeling like a bad person
One confessional poet's guide to making the private public. If you're going to write about your relationships, be prepared to do it well.