Staceyann Chin

Staceyann Chin is a Jamaican American poet, spoken-word artist, playwright, memoirist, and activist whose work explores the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, migration, and family. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she later immigrated to New York City, where she became a prominent voice in contemporary spoken-word performance and Black feminist literature. Her writing is distinguished by its emotional honesty, political engagement, and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.

Chin gained international recognition as an original cast member of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, introducing her performance poetry to a broader international audience. She has since published acclaimed works including the memoir The Other Side of Paradise, the poetry collection Crossfire: A Litany for Survival, and the one-woman stage production Motherstruck! Across these works, she examines identity, belonging, motherhood, resilience, and the lasting effects of colonialism, racism, and homophobia.

As an openly lesbian writer and activist, Chin has long advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, gender equity, and freedom of expression. Through literature, theater, public speaking, and community engagement, she continues to challenge systems of oppression while celebrating the complexity, resilience, and creativity of Black queer life.