Spoiled Fruit is the debut title from micro press Āporo Press. This collection gathers 20 queer poets from across Aotearoa, compiles work largely first published on bad apple and asks these poets to reflect upon their work to create new pieces. Emerging from this introspection are themes of growth, evolution, change and transition. Like spoiled fruit fallen and left to rot, new growth emerges.

Edited by Damien Levi and Amber Esau. Contributions from Nicola Andrews, kī anthony, kate aschoff, Jo Bragg, Cadence Chung, Rhys Feeney, Ted Greensmith-West, Haukupu, Kyra Lawler, Rex Letoa Paget, Casey Lucas, Ivy Lyden-Hancy, Amy Marguerite, Jackson McCarthy, Hannah Patterson, Ngaio Simmons, sylvan spring, El Spurlock, Fetūolemoana Tamapeau and Laura Vincent.

Praise for Spoiled Fruit

“The dazzling ensemble of emerging poets in this survey of queer Aotearoa writing peel back the thick, thorny skin of modern life to reveal a subversive flesh below the surface. From pop culture fantasies to the perpetual violence of colonisation, this poetic harvest will leave your fingers sticky and chins coated in sweet and sour juice. This isn’t your typical fruit basket.”

—Chris Tse

“How often do we get to see the queer poet develop, to see their fruit rot into beauty? This collection gives us a cornucopia of queer writing that captures us in a state of flux, acts as a showcase of each contributor's fantastic range. bad apple has been doing the gay lord’s work online and now we have this taonga to hold in our hands. Stinking good writing; may the world be made pungent with these words.”

—essa may ranapiri

About the Editors