Where Can I Find LGBTQ+ Bookshops In The UK?
Fancy reading more queer stories? Here are 10 LGBTQ+ bookshops in the UK that you need to know about ahead of picking up your next summer read.
Supporting independent bookshops not only helps keep business thriving, but creates a real moment for authors to see their work in what is often a cherished space, full of memories. The first time I saw my book in Gays The Word, the historic queer bookshop in London, it was a real full circle experience. One of the first places I visited when I moved to London, the store is recognisable in many a historic photo of pride protests gone by so seeing my work inside the hallowed walls was something that I will always cherish.
But where else can we find LGBTQ+ books across the UK? Here’s a breakdown of some of the best.
Gays The Word can be found at Marchmont Street, London. Nearest tube stop Russell Square. Inside find books galore as well as badges and memorabilia from its time in London.
The Common Press can be found in Shoreditch, London. Nearest tube stop, Shoreditch High Street. As one of the UKs newer venues it acts as a cafe, book shop and event space and is currently fundraising for support.
Lighthouse Books is in Newington, Edinburgh and nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverly. With regular talks, events and speakers Lighthouse is more than just a bookshop, it’s a hub for people of all walks of life in the Scottish capital.
The Bookish Type is upstairs in The Merrion Centre in Leeds. Having carved out space for themselves in Leeds, the space hosts LGBTQ+ author events as well as history tours and open mic nights.
Housman Books is on Caledonian Road in London - nearest station is Kings Cross. Close to Gays The Word, Housmans is another of the UKs historic venues that not only includes LGBTQ+ literature but a vast range of political works from literature greats from around the globe.
Shelf Life Books & Zines can be found in Cardiff. The nearest train stop is Ninian Park. Starting life as a pop up, Shelf Life Books & Zines not only offers literature from marginalised and under-represented authors but helps showcase emerging talent with their DIY zine offering.
Five Leaves Bookshop is in Nottingham and can be found at Swans Yard. Nearest train station is Nottingham. With a beautiful exterior and unique style Five Leaves offers books on witchcraft, paganism and spirituality as well as a vast range of literature on LGBTQ+ issues, politics and feminism.
News From Nowhere Radical Bookshop
News From Nowhere can be found in Liverpool on Bold Street. Nearest train station is Liverpool Central.
One of the largest radical bookshops in the country, News From Nowhere is a haven of safety. Featuring new releases and historic texts from the world of queer literature, it also offers an expert array of works on race, class, socialism and feminism.
The Queeriosity Shop can be found in Plymouth, near the harbourside. The closest train station is Plymouth. Having made their mark on the south west, The Queeriosity Shop continues to pitch up their tents at local prides so keep an eye out for your new must read book at events this summer.
Queer Lit can be found in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Nearest stations include Manchester Victoria or Manchester Piccadilly. As Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ bookshop, Queer Lit is a staple for many and after expansion it now houses a cafe, co-working space and event space where authors from across the world come to showcase their newest works.
Links to all online shops can be found above and the next time you decide to purchase your favourite authors work, perhaps think about how you can support local independent business.
You can support my work and purchase my book In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life from any of the stockists above - here’s a link to it available at Gays The Word to get you started.
If you have any reccomendations that aren’t above, do comment them below or lets discuss on the Notes section.
Great to see a list like this, when not so long ago the only entry would have been Gay's the Word.
Have you heard of Gayberystwyth? (Unit 8, Market Hall, Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth SY23 1DW)? Also on Facebook as Gayberystwyth Books.
Such a helpful list to have, thank you! Another to add- Category is Books in Glasgow 😊
https://www.categoryisbooks.com/