About Me

Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr.

I’m an advocate, educator, author, and Kentucky Teacher of the Year. My work is focused on advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and creating inclusive spaces for students, especially within the context of Appalachia. I’m the author of Gay Poems for Red States, a bestselling collection of narrative poetry about my childhood growing up queer in Appalachia. The collection has garnered numerous accolades, including:

  • a Book Riot Best Book of 2023,
  • a Top Ten Best Book of Appalachia by Read Appalachia,
  • a top ten 2023 Southern Book in Garden and Gun,
  • an IndieBound and American Booksellers Association’s must-have book of 2023,
  • a 2023 Top Ten Over-The-Rainbow book by the American Library Association,
  • a 2024 Community of Literary Magazines and Presses Pride Month poem selection,
  • a 2024 Whippoorwill Book Award Honor Book,
  • a 2024 Judy Gaines Young Honor Book Award Nominee,
  • a 2024 Stonewall Book Award – Barbara Gittings Literature Honor Book.

My Work & Advocacy

My creative and professional journey is shaped by my commitment to advocating for queer identities, Appalachian culture, and addressing the politics of innocence. I serve as the Director of the KY120 United AFT LGBTQ+ Taskforce, where I’ve worked tirelessly to combat anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and create a safer, more supportive environment for students and educators.

Here are a few key contributions I’ve made:

  • Lobbying against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation targeting children.
  • Creating digital tools for teachers to understand their rights and navigate challenging school climates.
  • Collaborating with the Kentucky Youth Law Project and Kentucky Humanities to create professional development opportunities.
  • Delivering presentations on topics meant to strengthen our world for the most vulnerable, including
    • narrative thinking theory and its connection to hope,
    • the needs of LGBTQ+ youth,
    • ways to use storytelling to fight back against hatred and inspire hope
  • Delivering keynote addresses across the state and nation on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive education:
  • University of Kentucky, Universidad Lead de Costa Rica, Centre College, Pikeville University, University of Tennessee, West Virginia Wesleyan, Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Berea College, and more.
  • LGBTQ+ Center Manhattan, Pride at Work, South by Southwest, the bell hooks center, the Hindman Settlement School, the Gill Foundation, the 2023 International Narrative 4 Conference, and more.

Speaking & Engagements

I’ve had the honor of speaking at many prestigious institutions, including:

I’ve also had the privilege of sharing my story on major platforms like ABC, CBS, PBS, NPR, The Washington Post, and Good Morning America. My advocacy has led to personal engagements with President Biden and testimony before the United States Congressional Committee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Let’s Connect

Whether through my writing, advocacy, or speaking engagements, I’m deeply committed to creating a world where LGBTQ+ youth are seen, supported, and celebrated.

If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about my work, please don’t hesitate to reach out or explore my publications and upcoming events.