Bliss, Curse & Quest of Belonging - Makenzie Beckstead
The Mountain in Us
In this compelling episode of The Mountain in Us, host Taran Singh sits down with Mackenzie Beckstad—poet, author, and advocate for queer representation—to explore themes of Belonginging, identity, resilience, and creative expression.
Key Highlights:
1️⃣ Upbringing & Religious Shifts: Mackenzie shares her journey growing up in Utah and the seismic shift she experienced when her family left the church at age 15. She reflects on navigating isolation, redefining beliefs, and struggling to belong in a culturally homogeneous environment.
2️⃣ Poetry as Healing: Her chapbook, Religious Trauma in the Key of Poetry, channels her experiences with religious trauma and self-discovery. She discusses the poignant poem “Do Not Stand at the Closet and Grieve”—a defiant anthem about coming out as a lesbian and reclaiming her voice amid societal and familial expectations.
3️⃣ Publishing Challenges: Mackenzie opens up about her fraught experience with a small press that withheld royalties and delayed book deliveries, underscoring the importance of advocating for creative ownership.
4️⃣ Whimsical New Novel: Get a sneak peek into After the Snail Heist, her upcoming quirky tale of two Utah women who steal snails from fairies. The novel celebrates queer joy and Utah’s unique culture beyond its religious facade.
5️⃣ Community & Creativity: She highlights her work with a local queer bookstore to mentor underrepresented writers, emphasizing the power of storytelling to foster belonging.
Notable Quotes:
- “Belonging isn’t about fitting in—it’s about showing up as yourself, even when the world tries to shrink you.”
- “Writing became my rebellion and my refuge.”
Book Recommendations:
- Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (for its themes of self-discovery).
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (for its lyrical prose).
🎧 Tune In for a raw, inspiring conversation about overcoming, embracing authenticity, and finding light in uncharted adventures.
Social Links
#Belonging #QueerVoices #PoetryHeals #AuthorLife #PodcastAlert
www.inkofsingh.com
