Drafts: An Imperfect Collection Of Writing

Mark Travis Rivera understands discrimination. A Latino with cerebral palsy who was raised in an inner-city environment by a single mother, Rivera endured oppression and bullying from an early age. In the face of such experiences, coming out as gay with a nonconforming gender identity required immense strength and courage.

But these myriad intersectional identities make Rivera the man he is, and he explores his character-forming and enlightening experiences, both positive and negative, in Drafts, a collection of poems, diary entries, and personal essays compiled over the course of fifteen years. Drafts reveals Rivera’s journey from youth to adulthood and his evolution through pain and heartache to self-discovery—and learning to love himself while forgiving others.

Despite discrimination, homophobia, and ableism, Rivera never lost hope. He has suffered, but he has also grown and thrived. His poems and essays offer insight into a remarkable life, challenging all of us to live with courage, vulnerability, and a vibrant love of life.

Drafts is lovingly, defiantly imperfect, and that’s as it should be—because only in imperfection can we discover true beauty and truth.

Mark Travis Rivera is an award-winning activist and the founder and artistic director of marked dance project (markeddanceproject.com), a contemporary dance company featuring both disabled and nondisabled dancers. In addition, he is a choreographer, dancer, public speaker, and writer.

Rivera works in New York City and lives in New Jersey. More information on his many projects is available at www.MarkTravisRivera.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarkTravRivera.