Samiya Bashir (b. 1970, Ann Arbor, Michigan) explores the intersections of culture, change, and identity through the lens of race, gender, the body, and sexuality.
She holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MFA from the University of Michigan. Bashir is renowned as the author of "Field Theories" (2017), recipient of the Oregon Book Award, and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for her works "Gospel" (2009) and "Where the Apple Falls" (2005).
Bashir is the recipient of awards, grants, fellowships, and residencies including the Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize for Literature, American Academy in Rome, the NYSCA Support for Artist Award, for “I Hope This Helps,” at the Sculpture Space, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the Virginia Center for Creative Arts, the NEA, the University of California (where she served as a poet laureate), the Astraea Foundation, the National League of American Pen Women, Community of Writers at Squaw Valley, Soul Mountain Retreat, The Austin Project, Alma de Mujer, the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, and Cave Canem, among others. She was a recipient of the 2011 Aquarius Press Legacy Award, given annually in recognition of women writers of color who actively provide creative opportunities for other writers.
Currently residing in Harlem, NYC, Bashir's work continues to provoke thought and inspire dialogue on vital societal issues.