Photo by Joy Newell

Sam Slupski (they/them) is a trans nonbinary nonfiction writer and poet from the Midwest. They are the author of UNTIL TENDER (Game Over Books).

Sam brings a courageous and authentic voice to their writing, exploring various topics such as mental health, emotional healing, gender identity, queerness, disability justice, chronic illness, and personal style.

Sam has worked with St. Louis Queer Support & Healing, focusing on community consciousness-raising, outreach, and external communications skill-building. They were the Wellness Editor of Swift Wellness, a former Program Director of Poetic Underground, and a teaching artist with Austin Bat Cave. They were a finalist in the 2019 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest, headlined the Melbourne Spoken Word Poetry Festival in 2018, and have toured across the US and Canada.

Sam's passion lies in redefining and destigmatizing mental health, sexual health, and wellness conversations to make them accessible and inclusive. They are also a disability justice advocate, speaking out against pandemic denial and encouraging everyday safety precautions to protect against disabling viruses. They firmly support communities rooted in collective care and liberation for all.

Sam writes a newsletter called Nourishing Notes, shares on Instagram at @theyaresam, and is the Newsletter and Social Media Coordinator for The Heart of It Writing Retreat. They love to cook and will always stop to take in a sunset.