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The Occupation

In The Occupation, Jay McCoy writes with heat, hunger, and haunting clarity. These poems pulse with physicality and longing—offering raw reflections on queerness, loss, desire, and identity. Unflinching and formally deft, this debut collection introduces a bold new voice in American poetry: fearless, feral, and fiercely lyrical.

About the Author

Jay McCoy is a Kentucky-based poet, performer, and arts advocate. His work often explores the intersections of queerness, memory, and the body, rendered through a distinct Appalachian voice. A longtime organizer in Kentucky’s literary community, McCoy is also known for his work in arts programming and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The Occupation is his debut full-length poetry collection.

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