Imphal: The All Manipur Nupi Manbi Apunba (AMANA), a prominent trans community organisation in Manipur, has released ‘Miwa’, the state’s first collection of queer and trans poetry.
Published by Xako Publication, an Assam-based publisher, the anthology features 28 poets from across Manipur, bringing together diverse voices across ethnic and gender identities. The book was edited by Mesak Takhelmayum and translated by Shaanba Arambam.
“Miwa is a collection of queer and trans poetry, not merely lines of expression, but a reflection of words, feelings and truths that have remained unspoken for far too long. It is also a celebration of the joy of finding one another, creating together, and recognising ourselves in each other’s words,” wrote Santa Khurai, curator of the collection.
According to Khurai, a gender rights activist and author, the book emerged from a series of poetry-writing workshops organised by AMANA for community members and young participants between January and September 2026. The workshops were rooted in the idea of collective healing through writing, she said.
Poems produced during the workshops were compiled and later selected for publication.
Khurai said the collection seeks to reclaim the power of identities imposed on the community by society, often before individuals have had the opportunity to understand themselves.
Through poetry and literature, ‘Miwa’ aims to promote dignity, self-expression and positive social engagement, she added.
AMANA also emphasised the importance of expanding the idea of reclaiming ‘Miwa’ beyond the queer and trans community.
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