health
Kae Tempest on creativity and his gender transition: ‘I’m just glad to be alive’
Ten years after his debut novel, the poet and musician has written a follow-up exploring self-discovery and a life lived on the edge. He talks about sexuality, pronouns and drawing strength from the literature he loves
TL;DR
- Kae Tempest, a renowned rapper, performance poet, playwright, and novelist, is publicly undergoing a gender transition from they/them to he/him.
- His second novel, 'Having Spent Life Seeking,' centers on Rothko, who returns to their hometown after prison, and explores themes of addiction, trauma, and self-discovery.
- The novel incorporates changing pronouns for the character Rothko to reflect their evolving gender identity and the way they are perceived.
- Tempest highlights the power of art and literature to foster empathy, drawing parallels between his own journey and the characters in his work.
- He views creativity as a life force that has provided purpose and a means of expression, especially during difficult periods of his life, including severe panic attacks and gender dysphoria.