SIN BUG - CAConrad

he wrote “I have AIDS
and kissed this wall”
X marked the spot
I wrote “I’m not afraid”
and kissed him back
wherever he is

SIN BUG is a new book by poet-activist CAConrad combining essay, memoir and (Soma)tic poetry rituals. Documenting the pervasive homophobic violence of the 1980s and the overwhelming losses of AIDS, this work is an unwavering testament to queer resilience. CA’s text forms a resounding incantation to friends and lovers lost. 

About CAConrad
CAConrad has been writing poems for more than 50 years and working with (Soma)tic poetry rituals for over 20 years. Their latest book is Listen to the Golden Boomerang Return (Wave Books / UK Penguin 2024). The Book of Frank is available in 9 different languages, most recently French and Italian. They also exhibit poems as sculpture with recent shows in London, Melbourne, Porto, Santander, and Tucson. Please visit them online at CAConrad.com.

Commissioned by Tamsin Clark
Coordinated by Harri Welch
Designed by Kia Tasbihgou
Edited by Lillian Wilkie

Printed by Printon, Tallinn 

Supported by Arts Council England 

SIN BUG is the first book published as part of the Open Narratives programme.

Open Narratives is a publishing and events programme highlighting LGBTQIA+ voices through a series of newly commissioned printed matter, live readings, exhibitions and workshops. Open Narratives at Tenderbooks is funded by Arts Council England. 

Tender Readers is a series of experimental ideas realised in a pocket-sized format and published by Tenderbooks. 

From the Tender Readers series 
You gotta keep your head straight about clothes — Dal Chodha 
SIN BUG — CAConrad

Tenderbooks, 2025
First edition of 250 copies 
Softcover 64pp with die-cut bookmark 
139 x 105mm