About

Who Is I ? (They/He)

I. Buenaventura (a.k.a Patrick) is a poet and writer. They have been creatively writing since around the age of 12, and began drawing in earnest before that. In 2021, they self-published a book on self-defense for women called “Your Body is Your Weapon: The Little Self-Defense Handbook,” which they illustrated and wrote in free verse poetry. In October 2023, the book was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Inspirational/Self-Help Category of the 31st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

Self-Defense & Martial Arts

For some 30 years, Patrick has practiced and/or taught self-defense and martial arts, earning a 2nd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and 3rd degree Black Belt in Hwa Rang Do. They competed in tournaments on the local, state, and national levels, including once at the National Tae Kwon Do championships in Colorado Springs, CO.

One other notable event (that they cannot recall the name of) took place in Atlantic City, NJ. Qualifying for the weapons final after winning their division, they competed on an elevated stage with spotlights galore alongside younger, nationally ranked players who were very impressive. Grateful to just be there, Patrick managed to hit his head with his own staff/long stick, while listening to one of the commentators (Black Belt Hall of Famer John Chung) explain what Hwa Rang Do was to his colleague.

In addition, they have studied various combat sports at one time or another, including American Kickboxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Kali, Brazilian Jiujitsu, and Hapkido. They were certified as an instructor in “Fight Like a Girl,” and have been a student of Prepare, Inc., along with other personal protection courses. They have taught self-defense to a variety of people from girl scouts to high school teen-agers, other Gen-Xers, Baby Boomers, and senior citizens. While no longer actively teaching, they continue to train, and are more than happy to answer questions and “discuss” technique.

Creative + Work

Patrick has studied art, literature, filmmaking, and has an MFA in Design & Technology from Parsons School of Design. He has worked in various roles in marketing, web, communications, and information technology. Does this matter? Probably only to him.

In 2023, Patrick began performing spoken word poetry, and has been a featured reader at various events in the NJ/NY area. He also occasionally submits to publications, unless he is busy with pressing DIY projects, such as remodeling a bathroom. He is currently working on a short film poem, while remodeling said bathroom.

LGBTQ+ & Activism

A feminist and an activist for LGBTQ+ rights, Patrick fought for marriage equality in 2013 in New Jersey along with a rabbi, a reverend, and a straight woman (aka, allies). The group met with the state assemblywoman representing their district. After the others spoke, Patrick nervously read something they had prepared. Although they can’t recall all of what it contained, they do remember it had a part about basic human rights. This effort led to their own marriage being the first same-sex union in their hometown in 2014.

Patrick also participated in The National Pride March, otherwise known as the Equality March for Unity and Pride and LGBT Resist March in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2017. While in the nation’s capital, they saw a large rat cross the sidewalk. It wasn’t a politician.

Patrick had a second coming out later in life, and identifies as transmasculine & non-binary. He has been documenting his transition through a series of poems.

Follow him on IG @ibpen.