J. Marsh grew up in a deeply religious, Pentecostal family in St. Catherine, Jamaica, knowing from a young age that he was gay. In a homophobic society, he turned to art—singing, dancing, and writing poetry—as a way to cope with anxiety and fear. Inspired by figures like James Baldwin, Marsh embraced his identity and passion for social justice. After studying law in Jamaica, Marsh immigrated to Canada to pursue social sciences and live more authentically, performing in ways he never could back home. Now an Inclusion and Anti-Racism Advisor at Queen’s University, he uses his experience to support marginalized communities. In 2023, he received the Mayor’s Art Award for championing equity and diversity in Kingston. Despite the challenges of immigration, Marsh remains committed to advocating for others while reflecting on his complex relationship with his homeland.