Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha is a queer disabled nonbinary femme writer, poet, and performance artist of mixed Sri Lankan and Irish/Roma descent. Born in 1975 in Worcester, Massachusetts, they are known for their work focusing on topics such as disability and queer justice, survivance and transformation, and communities of color. Piepzna-Samarasinha's writing often explores the intersections of their identity and experiences with violence, survivorhood, and activism. Leah is also a prominent disability justice activist and has been involved in numerous movements and organizations advocating for the rights of disabled and marginalized people. They have published several books of poetry and nonfiction, including "Love Cake," "Dirty River: A Queer Femme of Color Dreaming Her Way Home," and "Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice," which have received critical acclaim for their powerful and raw exploration of these complex themes. Piepzna-Samarasinha's work contributes significantly to discussions around queer and disabled identities, creating a space for underrepresented voices and experiences.