Barbara Grier founder of Naiad Press dies
 

An icon, a tough woman, and a mother of the Lesbian community has died. For those who knew her knows what I am talking about... The impact of Naiad Press on our community was profound ... Although totally formulaic, the fact that she picked up lesbian novels (and authors) from the 50's and 60's and mass market them...

If you don't know who she is then I would do some reading. Our community would not be where we are if she hadn't had the courage to bring to market the books she did...

http://www.shewired.com/lifestyle/20...n-icon-dies-78

I did not know that. She was huge with those of us in the seventies at San Jose State. She spoke in the bay area and was just around and accessable. We worked on a small newsletter called Up From the Basement and those of us who wrote were amazed with that press

More than one of us had crushes on her...you should know this Barbara! Go well ,sister, into that Goodnight.

In the late 80's - early 90's I was just coming to grips with being queer. I was driving a cab in Philadelphia when I found Giovanni's Room. I think I went shopping there 3 times a week for 2 years buying books, magazines, etc. Most of the books were from Naiad and yes, they were formulaic but that was what I needed at the time because me being queer certainly hadn't figured into any formula I had come up with.

To say that Giovanni's Room and Naiad Press played an important role in my acceptance of myself is an understatement.

Thank you Barbara and Donna.