Danez Smith is an American poet and performer known for their powerful, incisive, and emotionally potent works that often explore Blackness, queer identity, and social justice. Born on December 13, 1989, in St. Paul, Minnesota, they have received widespread acclaim for their dynamic use of language and fearless engagement with subjects of race, gender, sexuality, and the intersectionality of these identities. Smith's poetry is marked by its accessibility, lyrical intensity, and the use of both personal and political narratives. Smith is the author of several full-length poetry collections, including "[insert] boy" (2014), which won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry, and "Don’t Call Us Dead" (2017), which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Their work is celebrated for its evocative imagery, innovative structure, and the use of spoken word that resonates with a broad audience. Danez is also a prominent member of the spoken word community, with multiple appearances in the slam poetry scene and on platforms like Button Poetry. Through their art, Smith continue to be a vital voice in contemporary poetry, advocating for marginalized communities and pushing the boundaries of literary expression.