Education
- BA, The University Of West Florida
- MFA, University Of Tennessee-Knoxville
Gene Gazelka, a poet residing in Minnesota, is the author of the thought-provoking poetry collection Bodies in Transition. They have an extensive academic background, holding an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a BA in English from the University of West Florida.
Gazelka's literary work has appeared in several notable publications. Their chapbook Tender One was published in 2024, and their poems have graced the pages of Paddock Review, swifts & slows, the Rockvale Review, and Avalon Anthology. Their contributions to the literary community have been recognized with prestigious awards, including an Honorable Mention in the 2023 John Rezmerski Memorial Manuscript Competition and Honorable Mentions in both the 2022 Trans and NonBinary Award and the Keith Gann LGBTQ Award.
As an English faculty member at North Hennepin Community College, Gazelka is committed to nurturing the next generation of writers and thinkers. Their notable works include:
- "Flowers Are For Girls," "Manhood," and "Scars" in Avalon Anthology: Summer 2023
- "On a Slow Jog" in swifts & slows (March 2024)
- "Leave No Trace" in Rockvale Review: Issue Eleven
Additional works such as "Vows," "Untitled - a wounded mind," "Untitled - ponder the way," "Ecclesiastes," and "Pronounced Love at the Scene" were featured in their chapbook Tender One, published by Finishing Line Press.
Gazelka's poetry explores themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for belonging, reflecting their personal journey and dedication to social justice. They bring that same commitment with them to their teaching practices.