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This was the backdrop for my sunset book launch in Dubai with the brilliant Zeina Hashem Beck. Behind us, you can see the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library & the iconic Burj Khalifa. Definitely don’t need a filter on this shot captured by Li Zheng from that evening.

This is a belated but very heartfelt thank you to Ahlam Bolooki & the entire Emirates Airline Festival of Literature team for the most incredible week in the UAE, all of which was made possible by the championing of my dear friend, Afra Atiq. Hope to make it back very soon.

Middle school educators, especially, but also early high school teachers (9th/10th grades)—I collaborated on the creation of this no-cost downloadable curriculum that gives students tangible tools to navigate harmful gender stereotypes.

You can find out more & get the 5 lessons for free here: http://www.cairnguidance.com/axe #AXEpartner @cairnguidance @AXE

I’m relentless in my search for new strategies to help young folks not experience the suffocating pressure I felt to be anything but the sensitive & tender boy I was when I was growing up. #GenerationUnlabeled

Made the absolute most of my free day in Anchorage after performing at the University of Alaska—getting in an early morning hike on Flattop Mountain trail, meeting this gorgeous moose & hanging with muskox and bison at the Wildlife Conservation Center. This is the 46th state I’ve visited on tour since 2015 (and 47th overall) and Alaska is the most breathtaking place I’ve seen in the United States. In other news, they are VERY big on taxidermy. This polar bear was in the lobby of my hotel. 😳

#CarlosOnTour #CarlosLive #HijitoBookTour #poetlife #latinxpoetry

At 17, I dreamed of performing on the Friday night stage of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. That kid never would have believed a poet could rock for 16,000 at Barclays Center. Grateful beyond belief to be an #AXEpartner challenging gender stereotypes & championing these teens being their most authentic selves. Shoutout to my compadre KYLE & everyone at #WEDay UN for an incredible show.