Ian-Khara Ellasante

Ian-Khara Ellasante is a Black, queer, gender-infinite poet, parent, and cultural studies scholar whose work moves across the intersections of identity, history, and imagination. Their poetry and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, earning recognition as a Cave Canem fellow, recipient of the New Millennium Award for Poetry, and finalist for the 2024 National Poetry Series. Today, Ian-Khara teaches at Bates College, located on the occupied and unceded lands of the Wabanaki peoples, the People of the Dawnland, where they continue to explore how literature can both honor lineage and create new futures.