Overview
Ariel Estrella's research focuses on 20th and 21st century lyricism through queer of color critique. To guide themself, Ariel asks: what does lyricism offer queer creators of color in the midst of racism and cultural celebration; homophobia and queer kinship; transphobia and gender possibility? And, in turn, what do queer creators of color offer lyrical creative enterprises with their experiments in form?
Ariel's portfolio offers readers lyrical pieces that combine personal essay, poetry, and scholarly critique. Ariel's essays and poems have been featured in The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Journal; anthologies, including one that received a Lambda Literary Award; independent zines; and a newspaper column on the politics of love at their undergraduate institution, Macalester College. Ariel's work and advocacy was recognized through the receipt of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, Harry Scherman Writing Award in the category of Literary Essay, and Macalester Alumni Service Award.
Prior to entering the program, Ariel worked in labor and community-based arts nonprofit organizations in their hometown of New York City. They also founded the Facing Forward: A Macalester Alumni of Color Zine series.
Research Focus
- Poetry and Poetics
- Lyricism
- Queer of Color Critique
- 20th and 21st century Latine Literature
- 20th and 21st century African-American Literature