Feminist Press Inc

Feminist Press Inc, also known as The Feminist Press at CUNY, is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing literature that promotes social justice and feminist perspectives. Founded in 1970 by Florence Howe, it is currently the longest surviving women's publishing house in the world.

History

The Feminist Press was established as part of the second wave of feminism to challenge traditional gender stereotypes in literature and education. Initially, the press focused on reprinting classic feminist texts by authors such as Zora Neale Hurston, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Rebecca Harding Davis. Over time, it expanded its scope to include works from diverse racial and class backgrounds, both from the U.S. and internationally.

Mission

The organization's mission is to amplify marginalized voices and advance gender justice through publishing. It seeks to create a platform for writers who are committed to both artistic innovation and social progress. The Feminist Press publishes a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, literature in translation, children’s books, and more.[4]

Activities

• Publication Program: Feminist Press publishes twelve to fifteen books annually, focusing on novels, essays, and hybrid memoirs that spark dialogue on feminist issues.[4]
• Louise Meriwether First Book Prize: This literary prize supports debut women and nonbinary authors of color, highlighting emerging voices in literature.[2]
• Amethyst Editions: A queer imprint that publishes works furthering the understanding of intersectional feminism and queer issues.[4]

Relationship with CUNY

The Feminist Press has a strong partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY), moving to the CUNY Graduate Center in 1999. This collaboration allows for joint projects with various CUNY departments, including the Publics Lab and the Center for LGBTQ Studies.[4]

WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly

The press publishes WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly, an interdisciplinary academic journal that covers a range of topics in women's studies, including psychoanalytic, legal, queer, and historical perspectives.[2]

Awards and Recognition

The Feminist Press was awarded the 2020 Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Book Critics Circle Awards.[2]

Financials

The organization relies primarily on contributions and program services for its revenue, with contributions making up around one-third of its income.[1] Donations to the press are tax-deductible, supporting its mission to promote social justice and feminist literature.[3]