In the realm of literature, few genres resonate with the rawness and authenticity of human experiences quite like poetry. Slovenian poet Brane Mozetič embodies this truth, using his verses to navigate the complexities of queer identity and offer solace to those on similar paths.

Mozetič's poetic odyssey began in his youth, a time marked by societal upheaval and personal discovery. "I started writing poems and short stories at the end of elementary school, around the age of 14," he reflects, "As a student, I read a magazine for young people, which also had a column called 'Chatting with a psychologist,' where there was often something written about homosexuality - and this in a fairly liberal way."
These early encounters with literature provided Mozetič with a sanctuary where his burgeoning queer identity found expression. "In literature, I found a way to express my truth," he explains, "My writing and my sexual orientation have been connected from the very beginning, and that's how it has remained to this day."
In the mid-1970s, Slovenia was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, where societal attitudes towards LGBTI+ individuals were undergoing gradual shifts amidst a backdrop of relative political and cultural openness. Despite lingering taboos and stigmas, urban centers like Ljubljana provided spaces for nascent LGBTI+ communities to form, albeit discreetly. Mozetič's emergence as a poet during this time not only reflected his personal journey of self-discovery but also coincided with a growing visibility of queer voices within Slovenian literature, contributing to the broader narrative of social change and acceptance.

Throughout his literary journey, Mozetič has tirelessly championed the representation of LGBTQ+ voices in Slovenian culture. As the editor of Revolver magazine and the founder of the Lambda book series, he has carved out spaces where queer narratives can thrive. "The LGBT magazine Revolver was published between 1990 and 1997 and was of a general nature, there was little or no literature in it," he notes, "More important was my publishing activity when I founded the Lambda book series at the Škuc Society."
But Mozetič's influence extends far beyond the borders of his homeland. Through translations of works by French authors like Rimbaud, Genet, and Foucault, he has bridged cultural divides, fostering a global dialogue on queer experiences. "I'm lucky that I chose the books I translated myself, so I chose those that were close to me," he reflects, "In the process of translation, I got even closer to them, but above all, they built my identity and self-confidence."

As a poet, Mozetič's verses resonate with the evanescent nature of human existence, reflecting the postmodern condition with poignant clarity. "All my literature is very autobiographical, I delve very deeply into my experiences and relationships," he shares, "Because it's so very gay, it might sometimes be less interesting to a wider audience, or it's rejected by homophobia in a heteronormative world."
Through his directorship of the Ljubljana LGBT Film Festival, Mozetič further explores the intersection of film and poetry in portraying LGBTQ+ experiences. "I became interested in film already in school and soon I could also watch films that portrayed LGBT characters," he recalls, "There are many LGBT film festivals around the world, and I am proud that our festival in Ljubljana is the oldest in Europe."
Looking towards the future, Mozetič remains optimistic about the evolution of queer poetry, both in Slovenia and beyond. "I'm not worried at all about the future of queer poetry," he asserts, "There is a lot of literature around the world where it is just emerging, and in Western countries, it is also experiencing a kind of renaissance."
In essence, Brane Mozetič's literary odyssey serves as a testament to the power of poetry in navigating the complexities of queer identity. Through his words, he invites readers into a world where authenticity reigns supreme, and where every verse is a celebration of resilience, love, and the unyielding spirit of the human soul.
Mozetič's books can be purchased through Amazon.
Photos by Nada Žgank and
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