Empty Closet Relaunch Program
History of The Publication:
The Empty Closet was one of the oldest continuously published LGBTQ+ papers in the United States. It started as a small “zine” type publication by the Gay Liberation Front in the basement of the University of Rochester’s Todd Union in 1971. From 1971 to 2020, it shared news, poetry, literature, and community events with the local LGBTQ+ community.
About this Program:
In this program, 6 community members will learn foundational publishing skills and produce a new issue of The Empty Closet. This 547th issue will serve as a proof of concept to secure additional funding to continue producing the publication going forward.
We envision this new chapter of The Empty Closet as a vehicle for sharing information and community organizing efforts locally, with distribution centers at local businesses and third spaces. There will be both physical and digital versions, but our focus will be on encouraging community engagement through physical media. This publication will always be free.
How to Get Involved:
There will be many opportunities to contribute to The Empty Closet. The best way to stay up-to-date on these calls is to join our email list below.
The Empty Closet Relaunch Program is a collaboration between Rathaus Press and the Rochester Rainbow Union. It is directed by Evan Bobrow, with participants Katie Hardin, Alyssa Hoadley, Valentine Johnson, Zoë Miles, Ken Wolfer, and Ash Wright.
This project is made possible in part through a grant from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts Aid to Locality program.
