Becks Quirk

It's #BannedBooksWeek. If nothing else, you can buy, borrow, read, and review banned books or books under threat of being banned. 

If you want to know more, check out our bonus episodes 9 and 12, which cover the threats of book bans at https://www.queerlyrecommended.com/category/bonus-episodes/

Also, in case you were wondering how the numbers shook out last year, here’s the American Library Association’s greater data from 2024 (graphic)

And me?
Data Nerd Joy.

Can’t wait to partner with y’all and amplify that the Sapphic Comminity does not and will not start to support banning stories and access to stories in public libraries, schools, and retail spaces.

A really important podcasting duo is letting us amplify their work.

Avery Brooks continues to lead the charge on navigating dozens of moving pieces and bringing them into easily accessible documents (stay tuned; emails go out soon).

Six (6) publishers have given us permission to use their authors’ covers if authors want to participate. We anticipate hearing from a few more.

A number of phenomenal SASS volunteers have valuable feedback during our meeting last week, setting us up for greater success.

•
The last week has been a wonderfully chaotic relay race of working with @s-a-s-s.bsky.social and other partners to gather the information needed to roll out our #SapphicsWithTheBanned initiative this week.

Grateful for each of you. Thank you for nurturing our communities evolution with community care.

I definitely go home with an amplified “we’re still here!”

A special shoutout to @kd-rye.bsky.social for helping us find space to take up and share with the people of Albany, Cyren of A Big Gay Market for creating bridges to support Queer businesses, and @gotjingle.bsky.social for doing the hard work while standing front and center.

•

•
Albany, @goldencrownls.bsky.social , and @gcls-wa.bsky.social ,
Thank you for a week full of so many memories I will hold for decades. It’s humbling to know how many of you are working to keep our stories in print, on record, and that many more are performing ‘good trouble.’

Again, so glad you are here!!
Hashtag this year: #gcls2025

5. I’m here with my wife (Ruth Elizabeth). She’s heard all about y’all. She’s very approachable and the stronger half of our duo in matching everyone’s energy.

6. (And I had no idea people questioned this)
My legit government last name is Quirk. I was born into it in addition to being it.

4. I love this year’s magnetic pins, too! You’ll get one in your swag bag.
4a. Authors put hard work into their swag. I feel it is safe to say they’d love a compliment if you dig their postcards, stickers, highlighters, pens, Lego, etc.

3. Not everyone drinks but we do like to hang in the bar and get to know you. Sobriety is respected.

1. Over 30% of you are first time con attendees! Welcome!! We are SO glad you are here & we want to meet you.

2. Yes! You can talk to me, I’m open to high fives, hugs, handshakes, and a really phenomenal fist bump. I want to do what YOU prefer, so I’ll let you lead here and match the enthusiasm.

•
#gcls2025 officially kicks off today!
See many of you at registration (starts at 11am) and looking forward to geeking out at today’s first panels!

A few quick answers to questions I received yesterday:

Heck yeah you do, you Award Host With The Most, you! I’m so excited to see you!!

Please find me!! I wanna cheerlead how awesome you are face to face!

•
Okay. So when do I get to see y’all?
I’m in Monday afternoon/early evening.

#gcls2025

This bar has great vibes and even better cocktails. Local talent includes Empire State Drag Performer of the year 2025, Stella Progress and Covergirl Continental Plus 2024 winner, Zaria Davenport. These queens are full of energy with knock out performances!

Time: 8:30pm - ??
Cost: Free!

New Evening Event Added! Community Drag Show Collaboration. Join GCLS and the local Albany community for a drag show at Lost & Found Bar and Kitchen. Located at 942 Broadway, about 1 mile from Hilton Albany.

•
Did you hear?! Thanks to the hard work of @kd_rye, Albany is hosting a Drag Night on Thursday during Con.

Donors have chipped in to pay the performers (but still bring tips), so the event is open and available to all.

See you there!!
(11 Days until #gcls2025)

•
Anyone else ready to be in a shared space where we are constantly reminded that people care about the work and practice radical empathy?

All of us going to Con?
Heck yeah.

12 Days!
#gcls2025

•
#gcls2025

@ericaleeauthor.bsky.social climbing up the charts.
Started #900+ now up to Top 250 in Lesbian Fiction,
Can we get her to Top 100 today?!

•
Support Request
@ericaleeauthor.bsky.social’s newest book is out today!

Erica is forever giving to all of us. This season has been one of personal heaviness/loss for her, limiting her time to promote herself. So we will!

Check it out:

www.amazon.com/Racing-Heart...

This. THIS. THIS!!!

4. Specific question? DM me. I speak as ME and not a GCLS rep.

#amazonprimeday

3a. And if on Instagram - DO NOT put the link in the text box; put it in your profile and say link in profile. We are all trying to find you & we can’t click a link in Instagram text.

3. You are your best advertiser. Remind your readers where to find you and link to your product from your social media, avoiding having them search for you and pay for an ad click or getting distracted by another author’s ads.

2a. IF YOU ARE RUNNING A DEAL, CHECK YOUR FEES! Amazon increased fees on many deals during Prime Day. Remember, you live in an evergreen category. You don’t have to use your yearly or quarterly budget here. Novels are purchased year round; bid/adjust in a way that makes SENSE to your bottom line.