The Mission

We strive to preserve and cultivate queer culture, history, literature, and the arts, through awareness, research, mentorships, residencies, and grants.

“We envision a world where queer voices, narratives, and contributions are celebrated and safeguarded for future generations.”

Our Pillars

  • We are dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and creating a vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture, ensuring that it thrives and continues to inspire generations to come.

  • We support LGBTQ+ writers in their pursuit of telling their stories and exploring their identities through all forms of writing, fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and honored.

  • We provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists, craftsmen, designers, and musicians to express themselves freely and create meaningful works, enriching our cultural landscape with their unique perspectives and talents.

  • Through extensive research, archiving efforts, and reading, we aim to discover, document, and learn the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to society, creating a comprehensive record of LGBTQ+ history.

About

Before a “foundation” was even considered—there was Books and Boys, The Naughty Pine, and Fire Island Tea. Each entity was created to nurture community, create culture, and amplify queer stories. We are Marc, Nick, and Rich; some know us as “the Naughty Boys,” others as “the throuple.” Each with unique talents, training, knowledge, and a genuine love of creating experiences for others. Experiences centered on joy, learning, celebration, growth, and community. Bound by a common goal to always keep learning, growing, and innovating for the betterment of our queer family.

Books and Boys was formed in October 2018 to fill the void in family and community for so many queer men. It uses literature as a platform to learn our queer history and celebrate queer authors. It creates a community by bringing individuals together through events, programming, and shared interests, creating a network of queer individuals from all walks of life and ages spanning many trades and vocations.

The Naughty Pine is more than just a home or bed and breakfast—it’s a way of being. Our home on Fire Island is the place we’ve created to incubate ideas, host events, and be a place of zero judgment or expectations. We cultivate a home-like environment that acts as a launching pad for Fire Island visitors passing on the knowledge and traditions of this place.

Fire Island Tea and Fire Island: The Tea are platforms created by a culmination of stories, histories, and editorials gleaned from our neighbors, friends, and Fire Island goers. Both platforms are dedicated to celebrating the past, present, and future of queer Fire Island.

The common thread between each mission-driven entity was the need for the ability to ask for donations or fundraise for the programming and change we have in mind. We recognized the need to create a non-profit organization that can live beyond our personal means and lifespan to foster lasting impact.

Each concept will continuously donate a percentage of proceeds to this foundation, ensuring that all we do gives back to our community. With Books and Boys, The Naughty Pine, and Fire Island Tea, we have strived to nurture, educate, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer culture, history, literature, and the arts. Together, as the "Naughty Boys," we are committed to providing joy, learning, celebration, growth, and a sense of belonging to our queer family. The collective purpose behind all these endeavors has led us to create this foundation, ensuring that our mission endures and our impact continues to grow, fostering a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community.

Fundraising + Funding

Affiliates

We will establish affiliate partnerships with LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations that align with our mission. These partners will promote our foundation's work and encourage their customers and members to contribute. A portion of the proceeds generated from affiliate sales will be directed towards our foundation, enabling a sustainable source of income to support our initiatives.

General Donations

We will maintain an easy-to-navigate platform for general donations, allowing individuals who share our passion for LGBTQ+ culture, history, literature, and the arts to contribute directly to our cause. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on our ability to preserve and promote the LGBTQ+ community's legacy.

Events

Our foundation will host various fundraising events throughout the year, ranging from galas and auctions to community gatherings and educational workshops. These events will raise funds and provide opportunities for our supporters to come together, celebrate our mission, and deepen their engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.

% of Proceeds

A significant part of our revenue will come from the continuous donation of a percentage of proceeds generated by our affiliated entities, including Books and Boys, The Naughty Pine, and Fire Island Tea. These entities, deeply intertwined with our foundation's mission, will allocate a portion of their earnings to support our programs, ensuring a sustainable source of funding.

Sponsors

We will seek partnerships with individuals, businesses, and corporations committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality. These sponsors will provide financial support for our programs and events, allowing us to expand our reach and impact. In return, sponsors will receive visibility and recognition for their commitment to social responsibility.

Gifts

We will encourage philanthropic gifts and endowments from individuals passionate about our mission and wish to make a lasting impact. These generous contributions will allow us to invest in long-term initiatives, expand our reach, and ensure that our foundation's work endures for generations. We will work closely with donors to align their gifts with specific projects or areas of interest within our mission.

Use of Funds

  • A significant portion of our funds will be dedicated to providing residencies and showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists and creators. These programs are essential for nurturing and promoting queer talent in the realms of literature, art, and music. Funds will be allocated to support artists during their residencies, provide resources for their creative endeavors, and curate showcases and exhibitions to share their work with the broader community.

  • We are committed to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals in their educational and creative pursuits. A substantial portion of our funds will be directed towards scholarships and grants that support queer students, artists, and writers. These financial resources will help remove barriers to education and creative expression, ensuring that diverse LGBTQ+ voices are heard and celebrated.

  • Funds will be allocated to support research and documentation efforts that uncover and preserve the history, culture, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. These resources will aid in compiling archives, conducting interviews, and producing educational materials that challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and celebrate LGBTQ+ history.

  • Our foundation's events and shows are vital tools for raising awareness and fostering a sense of belonging in the LGBTQ+ community. A portion of our funds will be used to organize and host events, exhibitions, workshops, and performances that bring together diverse individuals and provide educational and celebratory experiences.

  • While our foundation thrives on the generosity of donors, a portion of the funds raised will be reinvested into our core mission. This includes creating an endowment to ensure the foundation's long-term sustainability, covering operational expenses, and supporting the outreach efforts needed to engage with the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

  • To effectively implement our programs and initiatives, we will allocate funds to employ a dedicated and diverse team of professionals. This team will include experts in various fields such as LGBTQ+ studies, cultural preservation, event planning, and community engagement. Their collective efforts will ensure the foundation operates efficiently and delivers meaningful impact to our community.

The Team

  • Marc R. Christensen

    CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Nick Ammaturo

    CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • David Ward

    GENERAL COUNSEL

  • Richard Margolius

    OPERATIONS | TECHNOLOGY

  • Jack Parlett

    HISTORIAN

  • Courtney Joseph

    DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

The Board of Advisors

  • David Sloan

    PRODUCER

  • Geena Rocero

    AUTHOR | ACTIVIST

  • Crayton Robey

    DIRECTOR | PRODUCER

  • Steve McGee

    FOUNDER | CEO

We’d love to hear from you.

marc@booksandboys.com
208.881.6347
nick@booksandboys.com
845.656.9415

166 Hamilton Ave
New Rochelle, NY 10801