Davi Gray (she/they)
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davigray.bsky.social
Davi Gray (she/they)
@davigray.bsky.social
2.3K followers 5K following 480 posts
Queer, trans, nonbinary poet, writer, performer, artist, activist, & abolitionist. 🌐 davigray.com. 18+ 🙏🏼
Work published in Poetry, Water~Stone Review, Hayden's Ferry Review, et al. First collection "This Body, This Fruit" @ Feb 2027 (Trio House Press).
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davigray.bsky.social
Wherein I read a poem!

With a PSA: because TruArtSpeaks is an amazing part of and foundation for Spoken Word and Hip Hop Culture in the community (truartspeaks.org).

Poem text is available online - link on my "Works in Print" page, davigray.com/works-in-print
November 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
davigray.bsky.social
신선영 Sun Yung Shin (she/they) is an award-winning poet, cultural worker, educator, and multi-genre author of 13 books for adults and children. She is a 2025 McKnight Fellow in prose. Her newest book for children is Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs…

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Photograph of Sun Yung Shin, a Korean-American woman with long black hair and freckled cheeks. In this photo she is wearing a black and white mottled blouse, bracelets, large ring earrings, and a subdued friendly expression. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, December 2nd, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi.
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Possible depiction of trans femme coming out of the closet
Oil on canvas painting, "The Barn" (1954) by John Wilde (American, 1919-2006), depicting a naked woman who's just leapt or been thrown out of a high window in a red-painted barn. In the ground below, grass, a concrete sidewalk, a little red wagon with a rag doll.
November 16, 2025 at 9:21 PM
davigray.bsky.social
Fong Lee (he/him) is a Saint-Paul-based artist. He is a celebrated poet, with publications through the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and Asian American Writers Workshop, a beloved painter, and a published photographer.

🎤

Please join us…

1/5
Photograph of Fong L., a Hmong-American man with a light mustache. In this photo, he is wearing red pants, a white shirt, red bow tie, and blue plaid jacket, with a paneled blue hat. He stands before a microphone. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, December 2nd, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi.
November 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Jen Bowen (she/her) is a writer, arts instructor, and editor. Her essay collection, THE BOOK OF KIN: On Absence, Love, and Being There, took nearly twenty-years to finish, but it's out now. Her work has received a Pushcart Prize, The Arts and Letters Prize, the Tim McGinnis Award…

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Photograph of Jen Bowen, a white woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair. In this photo, she wears a half-smile and a black top and looks to the side, out of frame. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, December 2nd, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi.
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Tyra Payer (they/them) is a member of the Turtle Mountain Ojibwe tribe, from Belcourt North Dakota. Tyra is a writer and entrepreneur who has a background of storytelling and Indigenous food systems. Outside, you can find Tyra vending at the farmers market or in the garden.

🎤

Please join us…

1/5
Photograph of Tyra Payer, a Native nonbinary person with short dark hair. In this photo they are wearing yellow earrings, a black button-down shirt, and a wide smile. Text reads: Tyra Payer (they/them) is a member of the Turtle Mountain Ojibwe tribe, from Belcourt North Dakota. Tyra is a writer and entrepreneur who has a background of storytelling and Indigenous food systems. Outside, you can find Tyra vending at the farmers market or in the garden. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, December 2nd, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi.
November 11, 2025 at 9:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Please join us on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 7:00pm, at Moon Palace Books, for our next 5×5 Reading, featuring five fantastic artists: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi, followed by an open mic.

Both reading and open mic will feature ASL interpretation.

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Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, December 2nd, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi.
November 4, 2025 at 12:14 AM
davigray.bsky.social
See you there? 💖

(3/3)
Photograph of Nick Metcalf, a two-spirit American Indian. In this photo, they are wearing a striped collared shirt over a t-shirt and standing in front of a microphone with one hand raised. Text reads, Nick Metcalf (they/them) is Sicangu Oyate – Burnt Thigh People – Rosebud Sioux Tribe.  Nick has lived in the Twin Cities for 30 years where they’ve made a life filled with lots of friends, family, and community.  Nick is a proud Parent and Grandparent.  Nick is a Poet and Writer.  Nick is participating in the Loft’s 2024 year-long Poetry Apprenticeship with Heid E. Erdrich. Photograph of TaneshaNicole, a Black nonbinary person with light brown skin, short curly hair, and a light mustache. In this photo they are wearing big glasses, a septum ring, and a denim jacket.
October 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
… followed by an open mic session. Light refreshments will be served.

This is a free, public event and all are welcome. Masks are required at Moon Palace Books.

For more information please visit @reentrylab and we hope to see you there for another evening of poetry and community! ❤️❤️❤️

(2/3)
Photograph of Nana J, a white woman with dark brown hair; in this photo she wears braids and a yellow dress and is almost smiling. Photograph of Coley Gates, a Black man with dark skin; in this photo, he is wearing a pink collared shirt under a suit jacket.
October 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
davigray.bsky.social
One week away from the next installment of ✨BETTER THINGS✨ by our friends @reentrylab at @moonpalacebooks on Tuesday, October 7th at 7PM!

Hosted by @davigrayx and @erinjaws the 5X5 reading will feature stunning writers @dainstapoet @nanaj_xo @gates.coley @nickmetcalf23 and @taneshanicole313…

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Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Photograph of Chaun Webster, a Black man with light skin; in this photo, he has a mid-length afro, glasses and trimmed facial hair, is wearing a denim shirt, and is seated in front of a brick wall.
October 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
davigray.bsky.social
TaneshaNicole (they/them) is a Black, queer, non-binary poet, publishing professional, and event organizer living in the Twin Cities, MN by way of Salt Lake City, UT. They served five years as Button Poetry’s Publishing Operations Director & they are a co-founder of BuckSlam MN….

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Photograph of TaneshaNicole, a Black nonbinary person with light brown skin, short curly hair, and a light mustache. In this photo they are wearing big glasses, a septum ring, and a denim jacket. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Nick Metcalf (they/them) is Sicangu Oyate – Burnt Thigh People – Rosebud Sioux Tribe.  Nick has lived in the Twin Cities for 30 years where they’ve made a life filled with lots of friends, family, and community.  Nick is a proud Parent and Grandparent….

(1/6)
Photograph of Nick Metcalf, a two-spirit American Indian. In this photo, they are wearing a striped collared shirt over a t-shirt and standing in front of a microphone with one hand raised. Text reads, Nick Metcalf (they/them) is Sicangu Oyate – Burnt Thigh People – Rosebud Sioux Tribe.  Nick has lived in the Twin Cities for 30 years where they’ve made a life filled with lots of friends, family, and community.  Nick is a proud Parent and Grandparent.  Nick is a Poet and Writer.  Nick is participating in the Loft’s 2024 year-long Poetry Apprenticeship with Heid E. Erdrich. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Love when I can achieve this with poetry, too 😅

(Graphic with alt text added.)
ROBERT ALTMAN: The greatest films are the ones that leave you not able to explain, but you know that you have experienced something special. I've always had this feeling that the perfect response to a film or a piece of work of mine would be if someone got up and said, "I don't know what it is, but it's right." That's the feeling you want--"That's right"--and it comes from four or five layers down; it comes from the inside rather than from the.outside.
September 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
davigray.bsky.social
Coley Gates (he/him) was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. After 25 years (of a 999-year sentence) on false charges, his sentence was commuted. He has many years of volunteer service as a Restorative Justice facilitator and mentor, and currently works at Sharing & Caring Hands Drop-In…

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Photograph of Coley Gates, a Black man with dark skin; in this photo, he is wearing a pink collared shirt under a suit jacket. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Nana J (she/her) has been performing since childhood and started pursuing her own career in 2019. Writing and singing have not only been ways to process her own emotions but ways to find connection with like-minded individuals.

She has performed within many different spaces in the Cities…

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Photograph of Nana J, a white woman with dark brown hair; in this photo she wears braids and a yellow dress and is almost smiling. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Chaun Webster (he/him) is a poet and graphic designer whose work contends with the spatial, temporal, and interpretive limitations of writing to represent blackness outside of regimes of death and dying. Webster's work has appeared in numerous journals including Obsidian, …

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Photograph of Chaun Webster, a Black man with light skin; in this photo, he has a mid-length afro, glasses and trimmed facial hair, is wearing a denim shirt, and is seated in front of a brick wall. Text slide bearing words "For more: follow @reentrylab. better-things.org. reentrylab.org" and logos for the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 16, 2025 at 8:01 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Please join us on Tuesday, October 7th, at 7:00pm, at Moon Palace Books, for our next 5×5 Reading, featuring five fantastic artists: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.

Each featured artist will take five minutes to share work….

(1/5)
Flyer with text reading: “Better Things - a 5x5 reading for social change - the reading everybody will be talking about the next day. Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, October 7th, 2025, 7 pm.” Small photos of each of five readers, labeled by name: Chaun Webster, Nana J, Coley Gates, Nick Metcalf, and TaneshaNicole.
September 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
davigray.bsky.social
Screen capture of text posted somewhere by account named "guidancerune." Text reads: "imagine you're frolicking in a field, prancing through long grass, singing "falalalala~", occasionally picking a flower. etc, etc. but a guy in the same field is watching you, about 20 paces away. he lowers his opera glasses (which he was using to watch you) and starts clutching his head and screaming with blind rage because of how much you're pissing him off. that's what it's like to be on the internet.
September 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
davigray.bsky.social
Retro illustration of a feminine person in lingerie beating a giant brain with a paddle. Text reads: Shut. The. Fuck. Up!
September 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM
davigray.bsky.social
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. (5/5)

#ReEntryLab #BetterThings #MPWW #MoonPalaceBooks #TCOpenMics
Photograph of Kanoro Day, a Black man with short curls on top of his head and short sides; in this photo, he's wearing a pink suit jacket over a white shirt and standing next to a plethora of flowers.
August 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Better Things is a series of events sponsored by the ReEntry Lab, in partnership with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW) and Moon Palace Books; the ReEntry Lab is an organization working to connect writers and other artists leaving incarceration to a community ready to receive them. (4/5)
Photograph of Oogie Push, a Native woman with long, wavy brown hair; in this photo, she's wearing earrings and a pink jacket over a blue shirt.
August 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
davigray.bsky.social
This reading, and the open mic afterward, will be hosted by Davi Gray and Erin Sharkey. Both reading and open mic will be ASL interpreted.

Light refreshments will be served; masks are required at Moon Palace Books. This is a free event! (3/5)

Photograph of David Lawrence Grant, a Black man with silvered afro, beard, and mustache, wearing a dark brown jacket over a lighter brown shirt.
August 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Each reader will take five minutes to share work; after the main reading, there will be a short break for refreshments, followed by an open mic period. All are welcome to show up and to participate in the open mic! (List is first come, first serve.) (2/5)
Photograph of Han, an Asian man with shaved head and glasses.
August 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Please join us on Tuesday, September 2nd, at 7:00pm, at ‪@moonpalacebooks.bsky.social‬, for our next 5×5 Reading, featuring five fantastic writers: Sherrie Fernandez-Williams, Han, David Lawrence Grant, Oogie Push, and Kanoro Day. (1/5)
Photograph of Sherrie Fernandez-Williams, a Black woman with glasses and very long dreadlocs. In this photo she is wearing a blue headband and patterned blue-and-gold shirt. Photograph of Sherrie Fernandez-Williams, a Black woman with glasses and very long dreadlocs. In this photo she is wearing a blue headband and patterned blue-and-gold shirt.
August 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
davigray.bsky.social
Kanoro Day (he/they) is a fat, black, trans, queer survivor from the Midwest with a degree from Hamline University where they studied psychology and creative writing. He focuses on writing works that protest oppression and encourage self adoration. They have represented the Twin Cities… (1/5)
Photograph of Kanoro Day, a Black man with short curls on top of his head and short sides; in this photo, he's wearing a pink suit jacket over a white shirt and standing next to a plethora of flowers. For more, follow @reentrylab, or go to reentrylab.org
August 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM