Ross Gay

Ross Gay is an American poet and essayist, known for his insightful and joyful explorations of life, nature, and human connection. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1974, Gay's work has been celebrated for its emotional depth and its ability to find beauty in both the ordinary and extraordinary. His poetry collections, including "Against Which" and "Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude", have earned him widespread acclaim, with the latter winning the National Poetry Series and being a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award.

In addition to his poetry, Gay is also a teacher and an advocate for social justice, particularly in relation to race, community, and environmental sustainability. His work often addresses themes of gratitude, grief, and joy, using personal and collective experiences to explore the complexities of being human. He is also a co-founder of the Bicycle Poets, a collective dedicated to promoting poetry and its relationship to physical movement, illustrating his belief in the power of poetry to inspire change and foster connection.

One of Gay’s thought-provoking quotes is: "Joy is an act of resistance, a way of choosing to not be consumed by despair." This highlights his belief in the transformative power of joy in the face of adversity. Another memorable quote from him is: "The practice of gratitude is not just a spiritual or philosophical practice, it’s a radical act of noticing the good." This reflects his focus on the importance of gratitude in cultivating a positive and fulfilling life.