Black TGNC Publishing House in Brooklyn!

Who
My name is Tom Cat (she/they) 
I'm a 23 year old writer, and performance poet with dreams of soon opening a black trans owned publishing house in Brooklyn, NYC. I am interested in accessible, sustainable and experimental methods of print and bookmaking and the eradication of elitism within the publication world.


What
I'm running a 6 month campaign to ethically fundraise for the resources and space to realize my dream of creating a Brooklyn based publishing house, prioritizing the needs of trans black creatives. Object Defy Publications will be an upstart print studio and community resource, helping eradicate the elitism and inaccessibility within the publications world. I want Object Defy to exclusively publish local black queer writers and artists, while still offering bookmaking and print resources to the greater community.

The studio workspace  I envision will serve as an educational and creative medium, where artists can learn and work to radicalize publication, through peer education. Object Defy’s physical location will also serve as a workshop in experimental bookmaking and print; It will be a space of kinetic creation and communal projection. Object Defy will stand to actively abolish the elitism and classism that shrouds the publication world.

How
In attempts to diligently and ethically raise funds, I will be hosting free (donation based) online writing workshops every third Thursday of each month- along with organizing open mics, featuring trans and non-binary writers and performance artists, every third Friday. I will also try to produce supplemental funds by creating and selling prints, stickers, key chains, and chapbooks. (all of which cost money to invest in making >.<)


When
By the end of March 2021 I hope to have raised enough money to rent a studio space and open up print production on my first published book titled "The Bloody Catalog".  Immediately after this first project I want to begin working with local artists and creatives who 

This means having the printers, binding machines, laminators and in-house resources available to independently produce prints and copies.

Within a year's time I'm aspiring to lease a storefront where I can sell print and books, and offer greater services and workshop/event spaces for the community!