EMMA MCKENNA

White woman in her forties with pink lipstick, a sleeveless blouse, and shoulder and collarbone tattoos smiles lightly.
Pre-order Gold Star here
Purchase Chenille or Silk here

Emma McKenna is a feminist, bi, disabled writer. Born in Duncan, British Columbia, with a childhood spent in Alberta, she has since made her home in Southern Ontario.

Emma is the author of the poetry collection Chenille or Silk (Caitlin Press, 2019). Her sophomore collection of poetry Gold Star is forthcoming in April, 2026 (Book*hug Press). Her poetry examines bisexual embodiment, disability and chronic illness, violence and trauma, and class. Emma’s writing and reading updates can be found on Instagram @emmamckennawrites.

Emma received her PhD in English and Cultural Studies (McMaster University, 2019), following two degrees in Women’s and Gender Studies. While pursuing her research, she published regularly on feminist issues in academic journals and served as an Editorial Board member of Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture, & Social Justice (2021-2024). Links to her academic writing are available at https://mcmaster.academia.edu/EMMAMCKENNA.

Emma is also a retired singer/songwriter. As a self-taught guitarist and singer, she began making rock music in the Toronto girl band Galaxy in 2003 and transitioned to recording and performing solo in 2007. Her digital discography from 2010-2013 is hosted on emmamckenna.bandcamp.com.