Room/Ystafell/Phòng is a remarkable anthology that beautifully intertwines the diverse experiences of queer lives in Wales and Vietnam through a multifaceted collection of art forms. Compiled by six talented writers—Joshua Jones, Leo Drayton, Xuân Tùng, Kai Nguyen, Maik Cây and Lauren Morais —the book is a celebration that encapsulates the joy, resilience, and depth of queer experiences.
The pages boast a captivating selection of discussion transcripts, poetry, photography, collages, and prose. Each piece intricately weaves together narratives that explore the nuances of sexuality, love, loss, cultural heritage, language, and the sheer exuberance of life. One standout tale follows a man immersing himself in the ballroom scene in Hanoi after months of lockdown, enamoured by the vogue gods, while another features an 81-year-old lesbian artist writing to her ex-lover’s daughter, delving into 10 enigmatic dreams.
What makes Room/Ystafell/Phòng heartwarming and poignant is its ability to traverse through different art forms, effortlessly portraying the spectrum of emotions and experiences within the queer community. The collaboration between Wales and Vietnam is not just significant but also beautifully executed. It showcases how these experiences, though from different cultural backgrounds, are interwoven, highlighting the universal themes of love, identity, and human connection.
The strength here lies in its diversity—both in the voices presented and the artistic expressions used. It’s a testament to the power of art in conveying the human experience and in fostering understanding across cultures and identities. Room/Ystafell/Phòng is not just a book, but a celebration of life, a tribute to resilience, and an affirmation of the beauty found in the kaleidoscope of queer existence.
Room/Ystafell/Phòng, various writers (Parthian)
Price: £9. Info: here
words JOHN EVANS