Poet Kyle Carrero Lopez on Identity, Politics, and Finding Voice

Kyle Carrero Lopez is a Cuban American poet whose work explores identity, politics, and belonging. His debut book, "Party Line," came out in July through Graywolf Press. The collection dives into how people from marginalized communities navigate different spaces, from nightclubs to border lines.

Growing up in New Jersey, Carrero first encountered the word "sanctions" not in a political context, but as rules enforced by his father. In his poem "Sanctions," he writes about strict expectations around masculinity. Lines like "No dance class/no girl toys/don't walk like that" show how these rules were drilled into him.

Carrero identifies as a gay, Black Cuban American. He draws inspiration from figures like Celia Cruz, André Leon Talley, Josephine Baker, and Assata Shakur. These influences shape his perspective on culture and resistance.

His poetry blends party culture with political commentary. Carrero says there are two sides to him: the partygoer and the activist. This duality shows throughout "Party Line." He studied at NYU and previously released a chapbook called "Muscle Memory" in 2022.

A trip to Cuba in 2017 changed his writing. Sponsored by the CubaOne Foundation, the visit deepened his political views. Many Cuban Americans support U.S. sanctions, but Carrero disagrees. He sees the harm these policies cause.

In 2020, the Trump administration tightened an oil blockade on Cuba. Carrero calls this out in his work. He says "Party Line" speaks directly to Cuban Americans who oppose destroying the island.

Carrero stays active in politics. As a teen, he joined a Civics and Government Institute. There, he played roles like Elijah Muhammad in class debates. These experiences shaped his views on social justice.

He also challenges stereotypes about immigrant life. Instead of just struggle, he highlights joy and dance. His work shows how celebration and resistance go hand in hand.

Today, Carrero hosts events and organizes politically. He even officiated a wedding while speaking with a reporter. His life reflects the themes in his poetry: complex, layered, and unapologetically authentic.