By Christina-Jae Angel
A solo poetry collection reflecting the realities of growing up as a black transgender woman, the ongoing journey towards love and acceptance, and a celebration of Black heritage.
Bird Of Paradise’ is the first solo poetry collection by Caribbean/Indian writer, podcaster and activist Christina-Jae Angel.
On the precipice of turning forty and inspired by the seasons changing around the lush green fields and mountains of Wales, she revisits her growing up as a black transgender woman in an unforgiving life of abuse, uncertainty and the ever-present journey towards love and acceptance.
Unpacking the good, the bad and the truly beautiful, Christina-Jae allows herself to be swept up into the brutally honest reality of the trans experience in the UK, whilst still infusing joy and comfort, sowing the hopeful seeds of her present safety as life finally begins to blossom.
“Absolutely transcendent. A beautiful and gripping collection that covers loss, darkness, desire, love and ultimately hope for black and brown trans women in today’s world. Books like this are what change the world.”
– Ugla Stefania, author, The Trans Teen Survival Guide
“You’re holding a full-length force of motion and musicality alive with delicious sensorial clashes. Christina-Jae graciously and ragefully gifts us insight into reclaiming and reshaping your own, growing into herself as home, and the intense scrutiny of Them. A beautiful, searching work. One for nurturing your faith in crystals, words on the wind, and a Bird of Paradise.”
– Ash Bainbridge, poet and author of Trans-Crip-t
“An intimate and searching collection, marked by vulnerability, emotional honesty, and Christina-Jae’s distinctive, emerging voice”
– Stannum, THICC Radio