Yvonne Onakeme Etaghene is an Ijaw Urhobo Nigerian dyke poet, performer, author and playwright.
Etaghene wrote and acted in two one-woman shows: Volcano’s Birthright{s} and GUAVA. She has published four chapbooks of poetry. In 2015, she was awarded the Joseph Henry Jackson Award in short story fiction. Yvonne is the author of For Sizakele, (RedBone Press, 2015) a novel that addresses transcontinental identity, intimate partner violence, queer gender, and how we love as illuminators of who we are. She was published in several anthologies including Queer Africa 2: New Stories and Walking the Tightrope: Poetry and Prose By LGBTQ Writers From Africa, a short story and poetry respectively. Her work is also featured in various literary journals, including Kalyani and Q-zine.
Yvonne is the founder of Ankara Queen by Yv. Etaghene, a fashion line grounded in Nigerian aesthetics where she designs everyday fashion and couture pieces that provide space for a plethora of gender expressions while honoring and reimagining traditional Nigerian styles.
Etaghene received her Bachelors from Oberlin College in African American Studies and her Masters Degree from New York University; her thesis was titled “TELL THE TRUTH: Articulating A Queer African Diaspora.” She has performed in Nigeria, Brasil, South Africa, Canada, Britain and in the United States.
Get your copy of For Sizakele here.
Please put me on ur email list! I look 4ward 2 witnessing ur work!!!
LikeLike
I’ll add you! What city, state and country are you located in? That way I can send you emails when I’ll be in your area! ❤
~YE
LikeLike
I’m already on your email list but just had to send you some love and light you have always been and always will be awesome! love your energy and always look forward to your messages. Congratulations on your book and happy birthday!!!
Xo
Hettie
LikeLike