I Am ALL Woma[e]n!

Abstract

These research poems were created through a process the author describes as artifact or archival poetry. As part of an ethnographic study of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning, Ally university student center, the author conducted an Internet search of the local newspaper for all references to Angie Zapata’s murder, a transgendered woman. Over 100 references were analyzed, including primarily news articles and other newspaper commentaries such as blogs and editorials. The author sought to retain the voice of the media with the only deliberate change being references to Angie Zapata as ‘Angie’ rather than using the media convention of calling her ‘Zapata’. Similar to transcription poetry, the poems seem to emerge completely from the data set. However, it is important to acknowledge the powerful role of the poet as one who arranges and rearranges data quotations, forming intention and meaning. The author attempts to evoke and provoke with poetry a larger critical inquiry message and at the same time honor Angie and her family as members of the community of Greeley, Colorado and of all humanity.