About

Before a foundation was ever conceived, there was a feeling—a desire to create something that felt like home. That spirit became Books and Boys, The Naughty Pine, and Fire Island Tea. Together, they form a constellation of community, creativity, and queer storytelling.

We are Marc, Nick, and Rich—affectionately known as the Naughty Boys. We each bring something unique: creative vision, cultural curiosity, hospitality, a shared devotion to learning, and celebration. What unites us is a belief in the power of experience—to spark joy, growth, connection, and collective memory.

It began with Books and Boys.

Founded in October 2018, Books and Boys filled a void in family and community for so many queer men. We used literature as a gateway to our history, our heroes, and each other—hosting salons, gatherings, and programs that forged new chosen families across generations and vocations.

Then came The Naughty Pine.

More than just a house on Fire Island, the Naughty Pine became our home, hub, and ethos. A share-like bed and breakfast, yes—but also an incubator for ideas, a container for celebration, a soft place to land. It’s a place of no judgment and total possibility—a beacon for queer Fire Island past, present, and future.

From there, Fire Island Tea was born.

Both the print publication and podcast, Fire Island Tea and Fire Island: The Tea, were created to capture the stories we heard every day: from neighbors, elders, artists, and friends. These platforms are our way of preserving a living archive—celebrating queer life on Fire Island in all its beauty, nuance, and transformation.

As each of these projects grew, we felt the need for something more permanent. A vessel that could outlive us. A way to fund and protect this work for the long haul. That’s when we created the Queer Culture Arts Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing queer culture through education, celebration, and artistic expression. A percentage of proceeds from each of our projects flows directly into the foundation.

And now, we dream even bigger.

After five years of building, listening, and showing up for our community, we are building towards a Queer Culture Arts Center—a permanent, full-time cultural space for queer Fire Island. A place to learn, gather, make, mourn, honor, and dream.

We believe in legacy. We believe in belonging. And above all, we believe in building a future worthy of our past.

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.

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, including dinners, auctions, art shows, performances and services, 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

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 funding source.

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, film, food, 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 toward scholarships and grants that support queer students, artists, chefs, writers, and creators. These financial resources will help remove barriers to education and creative expression, ensuring 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.

Our 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