Support Worker Rhyan Bishop has proved he’s a man of many talents by publishing a collection of poems to represent the experiences of people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rhyan, who works for Swanton’s Telford services, only recently started writing but has already self-published Rainbow Verses: Poems From The Spectrum Of Love.
The poems are inspired by Rhyan’s personal experiences of being a trans man, as well as those shared with him by family and friends.
According to Rhyan, the experience has been rewarding and exciting so far.
Rhyan said: “I haven’t been writing poetry for very long – but finding my voice has been empowering.
“Each poem serves as a testament to the unique journey and shared struggle of every individual who has ever felt the weight of living in a society that often misunderstands, misjudges, or chooses to ignore their identity.
“I released the collection on my 39th birthday via Amazon, self-publishing under my pseudonym Phoenix Harper.
“It’s exciting to know that people worldwide can buy my poetry, and to know I’ve done something to lift up the LGTBQIA+ community.”
In Rhyan’s book, there is a dedication to Scheme Manager Kelly Hull, who has been a rock to him since he arrived at the company.
Rhyan said: “It’s good to work in a company where I have so many people supporting me and being allies to our community.
“Kelly has been there for me throughout my time at Magnolia, and I really appreciate everything she’s done for me.
“I’m on a journey that is going to take a long time as I first went to see the doctor about gender reassignment in 2019, and I’m finally getting to start the clinic next year.
“For me, being accepted and supported by those around me to live the life I choose is vital.
“I hope the readers of my poems will approach them with an open heart and value the power of my authenticity.”
Rhyan is currently working on producing his second book.
You can get a copy of Rainbow Verses: Poems From The Spectrum Of Love here.
