Join Us in Celebrating Fireband Books

During its fifteen-year history (1985-2000), Firebrand Books published some of the most influential and memorable contemporary lesbian and feminist books. Our authors included Alison Bechdel (Dykes to Watch Out For), Leslie Feinberg (Stone Butch Blues), Jewelle Gomez (The Gilda Stories), and Audre Lorde (Sister Outsider), to name 4 out of 105 published titles by 82 authors.

In 2022, almost two decades after Firebrand shuttered its office doors, the building in which it rented space was unanimously awarded landmark status by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, followed shortly thereafter by Ithaca's governing body, Common Council, approving the resolution, the first landmark nomination to be 100% supported in this way. This included, much to our surprise and delight, the recognition of Firebrand's historic work in the LGBTQ community--locally, nationally, and internationally.

Unfortunately, the current owners of the building in which all of this LGBTQ social justice work occurred, is virulently homophobic and will not permit commemorative signage to be placed anywhere on or near its property. THAT'S WHY WE ARE ASKING YOU TO JOIN US IN PAYING FOR THE COMMEMORATIVE MARKER THAT WE WILL BE INSTALLING ON THE COMMONS, the heart of downtown Ithaca, across the plaza from Firebrand's home. This is being done with installation support from the City of Ithaca.

We are raising funds to pay for both the manufacture of the commemorative signage and for the celebratory reception that will follow the marker's unveiling (exact date in early summer to be determined). If we receive extra money above our requested amount, it will be donated to The History Center in Tompkins County, a public history museum and community archive, for the preservation and dissemination of local LGBTQ history.

Photo credit: Jon Reis Photography