Celebrating Ithaca's LGBTQ+ Print Culture: A Pride Filled Walk through Downtown Ithaca

In June of 2024 we were graced with perfect weather for our walking tour, celebrating Ithaca’s rich LGBTQ+ print culture. It was heartening to see so many of you join us in exploring the vibrant history that has shaped our community.

The tour was expertly led by Dr. Jeff Iovannone, whose deep knowledge and passion for LGBTQ+ history provided us with a compelling narrative. We were also honored to have special guests Yvonne Fisher and Ned Asta, whose firsthand accounts and personal stories added a profound and personal touch to our journey. Their contributions truly brought history to life, creating an immersive and pride filled experience for all.

Our tour-goers explored significant landmarks, each with its own unique story. We visited the headquarters of Firebrand Books, a pivotal site in LGBTQ+ print culture known for its groundbreaking publications that gave voice to marginalized communities. The tour also took us to the Feminist Art Studio, a space that fostered creativity and activism, and the residence of acclaimed gay writer Larry Mitchell, whose work has left an indelible mark on literature and LGBTQ+ history.

We are deeply grateful for the support of our community. Your participation and enthusiasm make events like this possible, allowing us to share and celebrate the rich tapestry of our collective past. Sponsored by Cornell Historic Preservation Planning Alumni and Historic Ithaca, this event was a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant history of our community and recognize the contributions of those who have paved the way.

To all our tour-goers, thank you for joining us and for your continued support. You enable us to do what we love every day – preserving and promoting the history that defines us.

For those who couldn't join us, we invite you to relive the moments with our reel. Celebrate the vibrant history of our community with us and gain a deeper appreciation for the places and people that have shaped Ithaca's LGBTQ+ print culture.

Together, we continue to honor and preserve the legacy of those who have contributed so much to our community. Here's to many more events that celebrate our shared history and the diverse stories that make it so rich.