For Immediate Release
SHINING A LIGHT ON VOICES FROM OUR PAST
Engen Books Ltd. acquires Rhea Rollmann’s queer history of Newfoundland
September 29, 2021 - Coming spring 2022, Engen Books Ltd. is thrilled to announce the acquisition of award-winning journalist Rhea Rollmann’s debut work of queer history in twentieth century Newfoundland.
Ms. Rollmann will take readers through both documented records as well as first hand accounts of the people, places, and events that shaped queer history on the island portion of the province.
“We are proud to play a role in bringing such an important part of Newfoundland history to light,” said Matthew LeDrew, founder of Engen Books Ltd. “It is our hope that this text will provide a building block for future discourse and study.”
With a background in queer and trans activism, as well as print and radio journalism, Ms. Rollmann uses her experiences and passion to give voice to a community that has played a pivotal role in our history, yet has often been overlooked in texts.
“It’s important that the remarkable legacy of queer community and activism in this place not be lost,” said Ms. Rollmann. “For over half a century 2SLGBTQIA+ Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have waged a courageous struggle for equal rights and dignity, and this is a legacy that needs to be remembered, celebrated and honoured.”
Through its non-fiction division, Engen Books Ltd. aims to add to the diversity of narratives about the culture and history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Contact Information:
Amanda Labonté
Nonfiction Editor
Engen Books Ltd.
Phone: (709) 728-6707
E-mail: submissions@engenbooks.com
Biography - Rhea Rollmann
Rhea Rollmann is a journalist, writer and radio/podcast producer based in St. John’s, NL. Her writing has appeared in a range of popular and academic publications, including Briarpatch Magazine, Riddle Fence, rabble.ca, Canadian Theatre Review, Journal of Gender Studies, Labour Studies Journal, Canadian Woman Studies and more. She’s also a founding editor and writer with TheIndependent.ca, and a contributing editor with PopMatters.com.
Her awards include an Atlantic Journalism Gold Award (Commentary – Any Medium, 2016) and an Atlantic Journalism Silver Award (Best Community Newspaper Story – 2020). In 2018 she was a finalist for a Canadian Association of Journalism Award in Labour Reporting. Rhea also has a background in labour organizing, and queer and trans activism. She’s presently Program Director at CHMR-FM, a community radio station in St. John’s, NL.
Contact Rhea: Rhea Rollman E-mail: hansnf@gmail.com