Who is Suri Chan?
I’m a prize-winning poet, known as @poemsbysuri on Instagram. My debut book, But I Don’t Feel Empowered is on the shelves at Dymocks, Readings, and bookstores worldwide! I’m also just a girl. I love matcha lattes, and I want to hang a Labubu from my purse. My work speaks to the part of you that’s a little messy – a little undone.
I’m overjoyed to represent the QUEER ASIAN community. Growing up, I never saw people like me in the media. I like to think I became the representation I needed.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
In an alternate reality, I’m a pop star singing heart-wrenching ballads in campy clothing. But I can’t sing, I can’t dance, and I’m terribly awkward. So, I’ll stick to writing heart-wrenching poems in my bedroom.
Who inspires you and why?
The small mundane things. I recently discovered ‘’ant death spirals.’’ A group of ants get separated from the colony and lose the pheromone track. They form a continuously rotating circle until their legs give out. They basically die from exhaustion.
This inspired a poem in my book, But I Don’t Feel Empowered! It’s about how we repeat patterns in relationships, and run in circles chasing the same person in a different font. Moral of the story: stop operating on autopilot, so your soul doesn’t die!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
It’s PURE CHANCE that we live somewhere peaceful and safe. I don’t want to forget that. Queer people still aren’t safe in most parts of the world. There’s a timeline where I’m sitting in a deadbolted closet somewhere.
I want to help queer communities in hostile places – whether that’s by helping them feel okay in their sexuality or through some form of aid. But for now, I want to help people articulate the messy emotions that live inside them. I want to make people feel seen. I want to make them cry.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m drawn to the mountains because they make me feel small. What is it about humans and wanting to feel small and meaningless? I guess it makes our problems seem small too. I loved walking in the Dolomites in Northern Italy, and Montserrat in Spain.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I took my parents (who live in South East Asia), to see the Brighton Bathing Boxes because my mum wanted to go. She pointed at a topless sunbather and shouted, ‘’She’s naked!’’
That’s such a wholesome example of cultural differences. My Asian dad said, ‘’What’s the point of going to the beach? All beaches are the same.’’ I love my parents. I also hope the woman on the beach mat wasn’t offended. If you’re reading this – my mum means well.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Kudos by Rachel Cusk and The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. I’m currently writing my next poetry book, which is loosely influenced by fairytales. So, the latter has been inspiring.
What are you currently listening to?
Chappell Roan and feel-good pop music from the 80s. It makes me so happy that kids are growing up with loud, unapologetic lesbian pop on the radio. That was unheard of when I was in school.
Happiness is?
- Assembling the random pieces of an experience to make a fully formed poem.
- Cookie dough ice cream.
- Handwritten letters.
- Going back to my home country and noticing how the grass feels familiar.
- Buying a dress online and having it fit just right.
- My wearable blanket.
- Reading your old journals and seeing how much you’ve grown (and how much you’ve stayed the same).
- Dark humour.
- My pet cat, Hansel.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m currently writing my next poetry book! I won’t share much – but it’s going to be whimsical and more raw than anything I’ve ever written. I want to keep growing as an artist and writer. I want to be a big artist one day. I know that’s a little embarrassing and people don’t usually admit that. But I think women should own their hunger. I’ll do just that.
Suri Chan is a prize-winning poet and a voice for women, migrants, Asian, and LGBTQ+ people. Suri is the Author of But I Don’t Feel Empowered! For more information, visit: www.suri-chan.com for details.
Image: Suri Chan (supplied)