Illustrious Career in Literature

Throughout his career, Picano wrote 17 novels and eight volumes of memoirs, greatly impacting the gay literary scene during the 1970s and 80s. He was a founding member of the Violet Quill, a group formed by seven prominent gay writers who convened in Manhattan and Fire Island to share and discuss their work during a transformative era for gay literature.

Among the surviving members of the Violet Quill are renowned authors Andrew Holleran and Edmund White, while others in the group succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses before 1990, reflecting the profound impact of the health crisis on the literary community.

Provocative Themes and Notable Works

Picano’s literary journey began with works that did not address gay themes, such as his thriller “Eyes,” published in 1975. However, his focus shifted towards exploring gay identity, as seen in his 1979 novel “The Lure,” which followed a straight man undercover in the gay community. This work achieved commercial success, reaching several best-seller lists despite critical reviews portraying its suspense as thin.

In his exploration of gay themes, Picano’s 1985 memoir, “Ambidextrous: The Secret Lives of Children,” confronted societal discomfort with childhood sexuality, a topic he had first encountered in his youth. His candid recounting was met with skepticism from some reviewers, who doubted the veracity of his experiences.

Another significant contribution to his oeuvre includes “The New Joy of Gay Sex,” co-authored with Charles Silverstein, aimed at promoting safe sexual practices within the gay community. This work was expanded and revised over the years to address evolving societal contexts and the emergence of new topics such as bisexuality and aging.

Advocate for Gay Voices

Beyond his role as an author, Picano was instrumental in amplifying gay literature through his publishing efforts. He established Sea Horse Press in 1977 and, in collaboration with other publishers, founded Gay Presses of New York, which significantly contributed to LGBTQ literature by publishing works from a diverse array of gay writers. Notable titles from this period include Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy” and Dennis Cooper’s “Safe.”

Catherine Texier, a fellow publisher, lauded Picano’s foresight in promoting new gay voices, calling it a revolutionary act at the time. Brad Gooch, one of the authors he supported, described Picano as a “literary matchmaker,” crucial for creating an audience for their work.

Life and Legacy

Born on February 22, 1944, in Queens, New York, Picano came from a middle-class Italian American family. He displayed a passion for literature early on, composing insightful essays by the age of 11. After graduating from Queens College in 1964, he held various roles, including social worker and magazine editor.

His vibrant personality and commitment to social causes were evident as he engaged in protests against the Vietnam War and expressed his artistic vision while working in high-profile environments such as Rizzoli bookstore. Throughout his life, he maintained connections with notable cultural figures and documented his experiences in various memoirs.

Felice Picano’s contributions to the landscape of gay literature and his relentless advocacy for LGBTQ voices will be remembered as a cornerstone of a richer literary heritage. Information regarding his surviving relatives is yet to be disclosed.