Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Balabanlilar and S Rodriguez.
Sarah and S, please share your story with us.
Paraspace Books started because, to put it simply, S and I weren’t seeing what we wanted to see in Houston regarding public queer and intersectional thought. We come from visual art/philosophy backgrounds, and so a merging of theory and practice is integral to how we live and work. Especially, in our current political climate, representation is important: not just of what is in the world, but what can/will be. Paraspace started with pop-ups and we’re so lucky to receive support from a series of organizations, including a 2017 Idea Fund.
Has it been a smooth road?
When it comes to programming diverse content, there is always a struggle… the conversation often starts at zero, especially because thinking about science fiction in relation to queer/POC identity isn’t something that most people in Houston do every day! We are privileged to be able to talk about these ideas with people, though, and have listening ears. While we essentially started this thing from scratch, our friends and communities have been utterly integral in supporting the project.
The best thing we can do is open our arms — to new ideas and new people — and try to create a space with high intellectual standards, but also with the desire to be accountable and accessible.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Paraspace Books – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Paraspace Books is a science fiction book and thought project, directed particularly toward works by queer/trans authors, feminist authors, authors of color/black authors, and nonwestern authors. We host open houses, workshops, performances, and parties that are open to the public.
Science fiction isn’t all spaceships; it’s a vital way to re-envision how we move through the world as bodies. And especially for queer folks, brown and black folks, nonwestern voices in America, etc., that statement of existence is revolutionary.
I think particularly of the recent art project by Alisha Wormsley, “There are Black People in the Future,” whose billboard (in conjunction with Jon Rubin’s “The Last Billboard Project”) was taken down for “distasteful” content.
These identities are ultimately being questioned in the present and without an affirmation of a continued presence, how can we keep ourselves from being erased in the past and future as well?
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Don’t wait for anyone. If you have a community of people you think would be excited by an idea, start that project! Don’t wait for external funding, don’t wait for someone to approve of your thoughts. If you FEEL ready to start something, do it.
That isn’t to say that external funding isn’t crucial for certain projects and developments. But, we are so lucky to live in a moment where event-building is fairly open to all. Houston is welcoming and ready for new programming all the time. You’re here! Now! You’re excited… and we can’t wait!
Contact Info:
- Email: paraspacebooks@gmail.com
- Instagram: @paraspacebooks
- Facebook: @paraspacebooks
Image Credit:
Lynn Lane, Sara Balabanlilar
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
