Author, advocate and educator Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. reads his award-winning book, "Gay Poems for Red States." First published in 2023 in print by the University of Kentucky Press, "Gay Poems for Red States" quickly earned the Carver national acclaim. In 2024, the book received a Stonewall Book Award, sponsored by the American Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table acknowledging books for exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQIA+ experience. "Gay Poems for Red States" is also featured on ALA’s “Over the Rainbow” Top Ten Book List. In 2025, the book also earned a Rainbow Advocacy Award, presented by the International OUR PRIDE Arts Festival. Before the publication of his book, Carver was named the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

In "Gay Poems for Red States," Carver counters the injustice of a persistent anti-LGBTQ+ movement by asserting that a life full of beauty and pride is possible for everyone. More than a collection of poetry, Carver's earnest and heartfelt verses are for those wishing to discover and understand the vastness of Appalachia, and for the LGBTQ+ Appalachians who long for a future -- and for a home -- in an often unwelcoming place. Carver has been promoted on Good Morning America, ABC News, NBC News, CSPAN, CBS NEWS, PBS, NPR, the Washington Post, The Advocate and many more. The print edition of "Gay Poems for Red States" is published by the University of Kentucky Press.

Original Copyright @ University Press of Kentucky – 2023. The Audiobook Edition is published by MAS Communications LLC – 2025. Published by arrangement with the author.