Queer, Migrant, and Unseen: Toronto Poet Confronts Silence in the City’s Arts Scene
TORONTO, ON – 6th October 2025 —
British-born, Toronto-based poet and musician Alexander Paul Burton explores identity, migration, and queer life in his A–Z Poetry Series, including A–Z Of An Expat’s Life Abroad and A–Z Of Being Gay In A World Which Wants To Be Gay (Or Not). The books chronicle modern queer and expat experiences through personal reflection, cultural critique, and philosophical observation.
The books feature Gold edges with hand-drawn covers, and hand-drawn images inside.
Alex has actively contributed to the Distillery District arts scene, distributing roughly 100 free copies of his books to cafes and other local venues, seeking to build a community of readers and artists. Despite these efforts, he says he has faced silence and stonewalling from local businesses and arts institutions — emails unanswered, social media engagement blocked.
“I wanted to contribute, to connect, to help build a creative community,” Burton explains. “But constant silence is devastating for a local artist trying to establish themselves. It’s not just frustrating — it’s affecting my mental health and making it almost impossible to keep trying.”
Burton’s experience raises broader questions about representation and inclusivity in Toronto’s cultural hubs: who gets to be visible, and whose stories are supported in spaces that market themselves as creative and open?
“I’m not seeking sympathy,” he says. “I’m asking for fairness. Art should be about contribution, connection, and shared humanity. When diverse voices are ignored, the entire community loses.”
The A–Z series is available internationally through select independent bookstores and online platforms such as Amazon, and Burton continues to create music and literary work that reflects his perspective as a queer migrant in Canada.
About Alexander Paul Burton
Alexander Paul Burton is a British-born, Toronto-based poet, musician, and founder of the OUTLINE Awards, spotlighting LGBTQ+ musicians in Ontario. His A–Z Poetry Series — including A–Z Of An Expat’s Life Abroad and A–Z Of Being Gay In A World Which Wants To Be Gay (Or Not) — explores migration, identity, and queer life in modern cities.
alex@alexanderpaulburton.com
