We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of a beloved member of the Rebel Satori family. Felice Picano’s remarkable contribution to literature and his brave exploration of queer identities have left an indelible mark on countless readers and writers alike.
Born in 1944, Felice was a literary trailblazer. His works, including Like People in History and The Lure, reflected not only his storytelling prowess but also his commitment to examining the complexities of love, sexuality, and the human experience. He was a voice of resilience and authenticity, inspiring many with his bold narratives and rich character development.
Rebel Satori has two of Felice’s books on our publishing calendar: a series of short stories set in the universe of your City on a Star trilogy from our Queer Space imprint and A House on the Ocean, A House on the Bay from the Library of Homosexual Congress in 2026.
Beyond his novels, Felice was a mentor and friend to many in the literary community. His generosity in sharing his knowledge and passion for writing helped cultivate the next generation of authors. He will be remembered not only for his literary achievements but also for his kind spirit and unwavering support of those around him.
On a personal level, we will miss running into him at seemingly random moments, whether on a sidestreet in the French Quarter or in New York City. We will miss hearing his stories in his own voice. Although the same story may have been told multiple times in various discussions and Saints+Sinners panels, each rendition was always nuanced and engaging.
While we feel sadness at the loss of his physical presence, let us also celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
Felice Picano will be deeply missed, but his words will continue to resonate within us all. May his words and memory continue to be a blessing.
With sympathy,
Sven, Joseph, Tom, Christian
Rebel Satori Curators