Eileen Myles

Date of Birth: December 9, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Eileen Myles is an acclaimed American poet, writer, and performer whose work has significantly influenced contemporary literature. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Myles moved to New York City in 1974 to immerse themselves in the vibrant East Village art scene. Myles quickly became a prominent figure in the downtown poetry circle, known for their raw, confessional style and unapologetic exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity. Myles has published numerous collections of poetry, including “Not Me” (1991), “School of Fish” (1997), and “Evolution” (2018). They have also written novels, such as “Chelsea Girls” (1994), which is a semi-autobiographical account of their experiences as a young poet in New York, and “Inferno (a poet’s novel)” (2010). Their work often blurs the line between poetry and prose, creating a unique, hybrid literary form. In addition to their written work, Myles has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has run for public office, including a bid for President of the United States as an “openly female” candidate in 1992. Myles has received numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2012 and the Lambda Literary Award.

5 Interesting Facts about Eileen Myles

1. Eileen Myles ran an unconventional campaign for President of the United States in 1992.

2. They were awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2012.

3. Myles is known for their dynamic and engaging live readings, which often incorporate elements of performance art.

4. Myles identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.

5. Their dog, Honey, featured prominently in their poetry and public appearances.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eileen Myles

1. “I always say my poems are like my children. I raise them, and then they go out into the world.”

2. “Being queer means that you are constantly questioning the status quo.”

3. “Poetry is the only place where people can speak their original human mind. It is the outlet for people to say in public what is known in private.”

4. “I think the best poets are the ones who can make you feel something deeply and immediately.”

5. “You have to keep finding new ways to push yourself creatively. Comfort is the enemy of art.”