Today we’d like to introduce you to Arthur DeHart.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I grew up just outside of Knoxville in Kingston, TN. My mom lived in Kingston, and my dad lived in Coalfield. I spent most weekends in Coalfield but went to Roane County High and spent most of the time with my mom, so I claim Kingston first. I always knew something was a bit different about me. I grew up in the church, and something about being feminine made my skin crawl, but I knew it was the “right” way to be. In high school, I learned what trans was and felt very seen by that label. However, it took many years after high school before I was brave enough to use it and start transitioning. I moved to Knoxville because it was a safer option to start my transition journey. Then I, on a whim, met the love of my life at Ignite. Ignite is a regional burn. I describe it best as a “mini Burning Man-type deal.” It was my first one! We got married three weeks after the burn (and after knowing each other.) We then decided to move into a van and try the off-grid life for a bit which has been rewarding and challenging.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, not. Haha. Family acceptance is something that is still being worked on. Being a working writer and artist in a “pick yourself by your bootstraps” family is already hard enough without the whole trans thing. I would call up my mom and say, “Hey! I got a book deal!” and she would say, “Oh wow. So when are you going to get a real job?” When I started transitioning, things got extra tense. I’m not invited to family gatherings anymore, and it hurts because family means so much to me. I had very little help with my top surgery; my grandmother helped when she could, but other than that, my transition and early twenties have been a very lonely road. (Until I met my husband.).
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a writer. First, I think. I like stories a lot. I write audio dramas like Dreadwood Press Radio and Hiker Gothic, poetry, and fiction. I like writing characters for people who feel lonely or whose voice isn’t heard enough. It’s very important to me to add elements to my raising, so I like to write queer characters in backwoods Appalachian settings. I want someone like me who is sitting in one of those places to feel like they’re a lot less alone. I feel that a lot of queer media for young adults is more city-centric, but I want something different. I also oil paint for fun these days. I’ve been shown around town and in Chicago and Mobile, AL. My paintings are mainly a release to release some of my emotions and people like them.
What do you think about happiness?
Oh man, this is a hard question. I find happiness in simplicity—things like gardening, hiking, and spending time with my husband. Also, bookstores make me quite happy. I’m a huge fan of cats. My husband and I have three.
Contact Info:
- Website: artdehart.net
- Instagram: @arthurjuldehart
- Twitter: @artjuldehart
