Quen Took

Quen Took is a transgender and disabled novelist, poet, and zine-maker. They are published by Seaside Gothic and their zines and lectures have been presented globally in exhibitions about queerness, disability, horror, and folklore. Living in Gorton, Manchester, they are passionate about diverse communities & the stories they have to tell. They are an MA graduate of the Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, and will commence their PhD with MMU in 2024.

‘Here, I Am Whole’ is a series of art pieces which aimed to convey the struggles and triumphs of my time as a disabled student at MMU. While creating these pieces, I reflected deeply on the history of disability resistance in Manchester, and also on the micro-histories of individual disabled students and staff, building their own lives and studies at Man Met.

‘Here, I Am Whole’, the titular piece, reflects on my journey of coming into my own as a disabled person, scholar, and member of the Manchester community. It asks the reader to think about welcomes, about growth, about flourishing in a new environment.

‘Marrow’, too, is about growth. Accepting our disabilities, and the transience of being able-bodied, is an important part of the human experience. I ask, how do we grow, not past, but within our body’s limitations? How do we unlearn internalised disableism, and meet our bodies exactly where they are?

‘Hostile Architecture’ asks us to reflect on spaces. Who is in the space? Who isn’t? How could we widen accessibility and create better, more welcoming places for disabled people?

It’s important to note, as I look back on creating this installation, that developing as a visual artist and zine-maker has been one of the biggest gifts my disability has given to me. Accepting that the arthritis in my hands means intricate linework is off the table, I’ve embraced a art style that captures the essence and character of the subject rather than aiming for perfect form. Disability seemed to take drawing away from me, but gave it back in a new way, along with the freedom to embrace mess and mistakes.

Follow Quen:

@quentook on Instagram

@dummygothic on Twitter