A new LGBTQ+ publishing house is preparing to launch with a mission to center queer authors and stories. Pansy, founded by novelist Matt Cain and his husband Harry Glasstone, will debut on June 4 with the release of Cain’s latest novel, The Castle of Stories. Glasstone described the venture as a boutique independent publisher focused on readers looking to relax on vacation or simply enjoy queer-themed books. Glasstone said, “After decades of neglect, Pansy is here to put queer writers and readers first.”
The publisher arrives at a time when concerns about book censorship are growing. Reporting has shown librarians facing increasing pressure to remove titles as U.S.-style book bans influence other regions. Glasstone said their mission is to bring LGBTQ+ books by queer authors to all readers, within the community and the allies. They plan to do it without compromising the authenticity or integrity of queer stories. Cain said the name Pansy was chosen to reclaim a historic slur, describing the brand as political and disruptive, but also fun. The publisher plans to release one book per quarter under an “authors-first” model that shares profits and involves writers in key publishing decisions.
