PSNY's Free Verse Workshops are monthly, identity-centered, free virtual spaces designed to amplify BIPOC Creatives (and, starting in 2025, LGBTQ+ Creatives, thanks to the support of the National Book Foundation)!

At The Poetry Society of New York, we believe that true creativity flourishes when all voices are heard, especially those that have been historically marginalized. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity isn't just a statement—it’s woven into the fabric of everything we do. We strive to model this commitment for the entire arts industry, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and empowered.

In Another Country, James Baldwin wrote, "The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it." PSNY’s Free Verse Initiative is about building that place—one shaped for those whose voices have long been excluded from a predominantly white, cis-heteropatriarchal canon. We aim to create vibrant, welcoming spaces where historically marginalized voices are uplifted, celebrated, and heard. Here, participants can connect, create, and explore their unique identities through poetry.

Each session also encourages resource-sharing, as participants exchange literature, community events, and grants, building networks of solidarity that extend beyond the workshop. As part of our unwavering commitment to equity, all attendees receive a 50% discount for our Weekly Virtual Workshops—because access to the arts should never be a privilege but a right.

If you do not identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+, we warmly invite you to explore other PSNY events.