The open letter has always been an interesting rhetorical strategy - a way of delivering a pointed message to a specific individual or group while also reaching a wide audience. Roxane Gay audiencedelivergroup Change image and share on social
Everyone else thinks I'm a nonfiction writer. I think it's because my nonfiction is easier to find. But I write both in equal measure. I love writing fiction because I can totally lose myself, and I get to make up the rules of the world that I'm writing. Roxane Gay easyequalfiction share on social
In Haiti, beach bodies are simply bodies, and beach reads are simply books, because the beach is all around you. Roxane Gay beachbodybook Change image and share on social
I reject the idea that when young women make choices with which we disagree, they are acting without autonomy. Roxane Gay actautonomychoice Change image and share on social
I cut an imposing figure. I am large, and I'm tall, and I have tattoos. I am actually really quiet and shy, but maybe people see me, and they don't want to step out of line, or equate disagreement with stepping out of line with a writer they like. Roxane Gay cutdisagreementequate share on social
The expansive anarchy of the Internet continues to lull us into believing that, because we can see something, that something should be seen. Because we can say something, there is something that must be said. Roxane Gay anarchybelievecontinue share on social
We were the only black family in my neighborhood for many years. Wherever we lived, we were often the only black family, and certainly the only Haitian family. But my parents were really great at providing a loving home where we could feel safe and secure. Roxane Gay blackfamilyfeel share on social
Social media is something of a double-edged sword. At its best, social media offers unprecedented opportunities for marginalized people to speak and bring much needed attention to the issues they face. At its worst, social media also offers 'everyone' an unprecedented opportunity to share in collective outrage without reflection. Roxane Gay attentionbadbring share on social
My parents have been married for 42 years. Their marriage has been - from what I can see - a happy one. Roxane Gay happymarriagemarry Change image and share on social
I have never been married. I don't know if I will ever marry, though I hope to. When I am asked why I have not married, I explain that my parents have been happily married for 42 years. The bar feels so very high for that kind of commitment. Roxane Gay askbarcommitment share on social