First Diné Publishing Press's Queer anthology!

WHO ARE WE?

Did you know there are only a handful of publishing presses in the United States that publish only Indigenous writers? On top of that there are less than a handful of Indigenous owned publishing presses in the United States. Abalone Mountain Press is the first Diné (Navajo) woman-run publishing press in the world, based out of Tuba City, AZ, and previously Phoenix, AZ.

Abalone Mountain Press has, since its establishment in 2021, published multiple books by Indigenous authors, including Taté Walker, Boderra Joe, Rachel Johnson, and zines by Amber McCrary (AZ Humanities Rising Star Awardee) and Kinsale Drake (winner of the 2023 National Poetry Series).

WHAT ARE WE WORKING ON?

Born from research by Souksavanh T. Keovorabouth (Diné/Laotian), Assistant Professor at NAU, Abalone Mountain Press is putting together an anthology with established and emerging writers that centers Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit, and femme Indigenous writers. As an anthology of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction ruminating on the themes of dating/sexuality/coming-of-age/romance, the book would be one of the first of its kind to bring together contemporary, Queer, and incredible voices in Indigenous literature.

WHY A FUNDRAISER????

1) We want to makes sure ALLLLLL Native writers, editors, publishers, printers, and cover artists are involved and fully paid fairly for their time, service, and work.

2) We want to ensure that production is as high-quality as possible!! We want to get this book into YOUR hands and make sure it's the cutest it can be!

3) Extra funding would help support Abalone Mountain Press, a Diné woman-run publishing press that has rent to pay in Tuba City!! It would also (OMG????)...

4) ALLOW US TO TOUR! We want to be able to hire and work with local Indigenous poets in different communities! We want to be able to get involved with multiple communities across the so-called US!

XOXO

Abalone Mountain Press and co-editors of said anthology<3

“A place for Indigenous writers to dismantle the cannon”

About: Abalone Mountain Press will be a Diné womxn owned press working on occupied Akimel O'odham land. The meaning behind Abalone Mountain comes from the Diné name for the so-called San Francisco peaks in Flagstaff, Arizona. Abalone Shell Mountain is one of the four sacred mountains for Diné. The owner of Abalone Mountain press, Amber McCrary grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona therefore this sacred mountain is near and dear to her heart and among many Diné folx.

Mission: To create a space for Indigenous voices to be heard without having to accommodate the white gaze. We strive to create books for Native people by Native people. We hope to create a press that supports Native artistry in all forms. We hope to bring quality work to Indigenous literature and create a world for Indigenous voices to thrive as genuinely and true to form. We encourage works such as poetry, fiction, non-fiction and hybrid works.

We are an Indigiqueer, Trans, non-binary, Afro-Indigenous, Indigenous feminist friendly press. We do not accept any forms of lateral violence, Homophobia, racism or sexism in our work or in submissions.