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Desecrated Poppies
Currently, there are 557 anti-trans bills across 42 states, along with 45 national bills aiming to block trans people from any and all human rights. Additionally, there are 293 anti-Palestinian bills. These bills share many commonalities; they impact far more people than just the targeted identities listed on them and are crafted by the same individuals. They collectively propel us towards fascism. The same trend can be observed with cop cities, anti-abortion bills, and numerous other initiatives propelled forward by white Christian nationalists.
"Desecrated Poppies," written during the eclipse in April 2024 and in anticipation of the November 2024 elections, delves into the intersections of anti-trans and anti-Palestine politics, illustrating how they intertwine with fascism. Through essays and poetry, Yaffa navigates their experiences of these seemingly conflicting identities, both of which are weaponized to advance fascism. "Desecrated Poppies" also explores antidotes to fascism, with a particular focus on cultural work and the imperative to prioritize the most marginalized among us. A world beyond fascism exists, and we hold the pathway forward.
"Desecrated Poppies," written during the eclipse in April 2024 and in anticipation of the November 2024 elections, delves into the intersections of anti-trans and anti-Palestine politics, illustrating how they intertwine with fascism. Through essays and poetry, Yaffa navigates their experiences of these seemingly conflicting identities, both of which are weaponized to advance fascism. "Desecrated Poppies" also explores antidotes to fascism, with a particular focus on cultural work and the imperative to prioritize the most marginalized among us. A world beyond fascism exists, and we hold the pathway forward.
166 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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March 23, 2025Reading this almost a year after its publication since the events of the US election is absolutely enraging.
Free Palestine always 🇵🇸
Free Palestine always 🇵🇸
April 3, 2025
4.5 stars.
I've already read Yaffa's previous collection Blood Orange (a masterpiece), so of course I had to check out Desecrated Poppies. The collection was written during the April 2024 eclipse as a response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine and to the rising fascism with the approach of the US federal election. The collection includes two essays from the poet, as well as some of their visual art, which addresses the specific harm that queer and trans Palestinians are at risk for, and honours the memory of queer and trans Palestinian lives lost since October 7. The poetry itself is a beautiful push back against fascism, racism, transphobia, ableism, Islamophobia, colonialism, capitalism, and all interlocking systems of oppression that leave everyone, but especially the already marginalized, at risk for real violence. It is haunting and beautiful. Highly recommended.
I've already read Yaffa's previous collection Blood Orange (a masterpiece), so of course I had to check out Desecrated Poppies. The collection was written during the April 2024 eclipse as a response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine and to the rising fascism with the approach of the US federal election. The collection includes two essays from the poet, as well as some of their visual art, which addresses the specific harm that queer and trans Palestinians are at risk for, and honours the memory of queer and trans Palestinian lives lost since October 7. The poetry itself is a beautiful push back against fascism, racism, transphobia, ableism, Islamophobia, colonialism, capitalism, and all interlocking systems of oppression that leave everyone, but especially the already marginalized, at risk for real violence. It is haunting and beautiful. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2025
A fascinating and thought- provoking book of mostly poetry and a few essays by Yaffa. Here are some quotes from Desecrated Poppies:
Dedication: “To the forgotten trans people killed in genocides – whose names, stories, and even numbers will never be known.
To the trans people who survive fascist genocide every day. We are divine…
“my art has always been about cultural transformation,”
“This is where the parties [both parties] also share their vision for fascism. Fascism is usually connected with the far-right in what’s known as the united states. Yet, at every opportunity, democrats over the last two decades have only supported the fascist foundation that the right-wing operates from. Fascism is not only a right-wing tool, it is also a major neo-liberal tool. Democrats just know how to gaslight better”
“to be queer
is not a flavor
or hair dye
it is death
the waiting for
murder
to be queer
is to rise above
leaving behind
loved ones
family, friends
even ourselves
to be queer
is to be”
Dedication: “To the forgotten trans people killed in genocides – whose names, stories, and even numbers will never be known.
To the trans people who survive fascist genocide every day. We are divine…
“my art has always been about cultural transformation,”
“This is where the parties [both parties] also share their vision for fascism. Fascism is usually connected with the far-right in what’s known as the united states. Yet, at every opportunity, democrats over the last two decades have only supported the fascist foundation that the right-wing operates from. Fascism is not only a right-wing tool, it is also a major neo-liberal tool. Democrats just know how to gaslight better”
“to be queer
is not a flavor
or hair dye
it is death
the waiting for
murder
to be queer
is to rise above
leaving behind
loved ones
family, friends
even ourselves
to be queer
is to be”
March 26, 2025
This poetry collection was so emotional and thought provoking in many ways. The author’s identities as trans, autistic, Muslim, and Palestinian all add so much depth and power to these poems and essays. Highly recommend!
October 18, 2024
Experiencias desgarradoras combinadas con enseñanza académica. No sé si tomar notas o amotinarme. Sé que he cambiado al leer esto.
June 14, 2025
It opened my eyes, my soul, some passages have become akin to a devotional reading, to realign my values and belief in a greater world. Thank you so much for this book.
July 23, 2025
Mx. Yaffa is creating bold, hopeful art and building community as antidotes to fascism.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews