Love as Resistance: Denali Sai Nalamalapu on Storytelling, Climate, and Community
About the Episode
In this episode of Queen Me, we sit down with Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of Holler - a stunning graphic memoir chronicling the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Through their words and art, Denali explores love as resistance, the human cost of environmental extraction, and the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for survival and change.
A writer, activist, and organizer, Denali shares how creativity and community intertwine in the struggle for climate justice - inviting listeners to reflect on what it means to protect both the planet and each other.
Key Takeways
Creating with Curiosity and Collaboration: Denali reminds us that art is not a solitary act - it thrives on collaboration and diverse inspiration. Reading across genres, studying experimental forms, and supporting creators at all stages fuels a more inclusive, imaginative creative ecosystem.
Hope in the Natural World: Nature offers an unshakable rhythm - steady, healing, and ever-present. For Denali, time outdoors restores perspective, grounding them in the beauty of resilience and reminding us that the Earth continues even amid chaos.
Community as Catalyst: Building community isn’t just an act of resistance - it’s an act of love. Denali finds strength in shared struggle, showing that collective hope and creative exchange are essential to addressing the climate crisis.
Many Paths to the Movement: There is no single blueprint for climate action. Denali emphasizes that every contribution matters - whether through teaching, healing, farming, or storytelling. The fight for the planet welcomes all talents, not perfection.
Storytelling as Survival: Through Holier, Denali demonstrates that stories can be both shield and sword. Art becomes a form of protest, preservation, and prayer - documenting human cost while imagining new futures.
Persistence as Power: Unleashing your inner queen means holding your ground with purpose and grace. For Denali, that means staying true to their vision, learning from both champions and critics, and trusting in the slow, steady work of change.
