The Best Queer and Gay Bookshops
Why Are Queer & Gay Bookshops Important?
Because reading is fundamental! OK so RuPaul didn’t quite mean it in this context, but it’s still true. Knowledge is power, and there's a lot of knowledge in reading. But it runs way deeper than that. Queer literature has always been a refuge, a place where we can see ourselves represented, with stories of people like us finding success, love, joy and adventure.
So Queer and gay bookshops are essential for our community. Partly because books, for so many, are the place where we can lose ourselves in a world away from the one in which we have been forced to hide who we are. But mostly because they’re more than just shops, they have historically been community spaces, where people from all sides of our community have been able to meet, to make friends, to organise, to fight back, to discuss ideas and to feel safe.
The American Library Association has reported that in 2023 a staggering 4,240 books were banned in US schools and libraries. That’s more than any other year since records began. Many of those censored are LGBTQ+ books. So having places where people can go and talk about, peruse and buy LGBTQ+ books has never been more important.
Craig Rodwell, one of the most prominent gay activists of the 1960s and early 70s and who drove media awareness in the months after Stonewall, ran the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop in New York. The Gay’s The Word bookshop in London was the place from which activist Mark Ashton founded the Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners project (a story told in the film Pride). And these are just two examples of how queer bookshops have been at the centre of our fight for rights.
If the recent issue where British bookselling chain Waterstones sacked an employee who spoke up for trans rights shows us anything, it’s that the CISHET businesses that want our custom when times are good, will not defend us when they’re challenged. So we HAVE to ensure that the places that are safe and supportive are there when we need them.
Even as the reading experience changes and more people are buying and reading digital books, there are still many that want to have physical books, and a bricks and mortar place to peruse them. A safe place to go and knowledgeable people to help them choose the right book for them.
Don’t ever disregard that last point. Booksellers are experts in their fields and having queer booksellers to guide us to books we may otherwise never have found is an amazing thing. But it’s a luxury we could easily lose if we give Amazon and the chains like Waterstones and Barnes & Noble our business.
Queer bookshops, whether you’re visiting in person or buying online, also feature an incredible breadth and depth of LGBTQ+ literature, that you simply will never get in mainstream shops. They exclusively champion LGBTQ+ authors, many of whom depend on the exposure, book signings and sales that only these shops afford them.
But we’re also now seeing some new types of literary experience. Places where people can go to tell stories and experience spoken word, digital and short form content about issues of social justice, politics, race, and community.
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What Is A Queer Bookshop?
An independent bookseller that primarily stocks books about LGBTQ+ subjects, by LGBTQ+ authors and/or containing LGBTQ+ characters. They can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, biographies, comics graphic novels etc. These are always founded and run by LGBTQ+ people. In my research I have encountered some of the most joyful, passionate and utterly amazing people trying to build businesses not just to make money, but to be a place for our community, because community is our chosen family.
Who Is Included On This List?
When we started researching this list of the great queer bookshops, we quickly realised that we had to decide on some criteria for inclusion.
Our original intention was to include only queer bookshops, but we found some radical or feminist bookstores run by queer/trans people that we felt deserved to be included. To qualify they had to have significant LGBTQ+ representation on their website, a large LGBTQ+ section in the shop and be running events specifically aimed at the LGBTQ+ community as a whole or parts of it.
Finally, there are exceptional circumstances in which general interest bookstores founded and run by cishet allies have been included. Their website must clearly be visually welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, and they must be immediately and obviously clear in their allyship, they must have large LGBTQ+ book sections and be running regular events and book clubs for all or a part of the community.
We found a lot of general interest bookstores that happen to be run by queer people in our research. Most of these, surprisingly, didn’t have specific LGBTQ+ representation on the website and so have not been included.
Although we’ve researched extensively I’m sure we will have missed some little gems, so if you think we’ve missed someone please let us know on contact@therainbowstores.com .
FIND QUEER BOOKSHOPS BY COUNTRY
UNITED KINGDOM
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN LONDON
Gay's The Word
66 Marchmont St,
London,
WC1N 1AB
https://www.gaystheword.co.uk/
This iconic gay bookshop in London is the oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop in the UK. Founded in 1979 by gay socialists with a goal to put all profits back into the business. It also hosts community events and discussion groups. The booksellers are amongst the most passionate and knowledgeable you’ll find anywhere and it’s one of those places that everyone should visit at least once.
The Common Press
118 Bethnal Green Road,
London,
E2 6DG
https://www.commonpress.co.uk/
Part of an East London multidisciplinary space called Glass House. The space includes an LGBTQ+ bar and cafe and also a fully kitted podcast facility where you can book to record sessions.
56a Infoshop
56 Crampton Street,
Walworth,
London,
SE17 3AE
OK so this is not essentially a queer bookshop, but it is one where a range of LGBTQ+ issues are included and the community is welcomed. It’s framed as a radical bookshop selling books, magazines, pamphlets and other printed matter. They also have a free meeting space for groups and events and tea and coffee is free. There’s also an open access archive that anyone can use for research which has sections for trans feminism and queer politics.
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN MANCHESTER
Queer Lit
27 Great Ancoats Street
Manchester
M4-5AJ
With over 4500 titles and a meeting place Queer Lit has become a destination for Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Gay Pride Shop
2nd Floor
Afflecks
Manchester
M4 1PW
Manchester’s longest running LGBTQ+ bookshop has 4500 titles and sells loads of merch.
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN ENGLAND
The Bookish Type
77a Great George Street,
Leeds
LS1 3BR
Owned and run by Ray and Nic, who graduated from pop-up bookstalls to a bricks and mortar shop in 2020. Selling a wide range of books with queer themes and characters because they say, “we know the importance of seeing yourself – and your community – represented. Also, there is so much amazing queer literature that we want to celebrate it all!” They also do queer history tours, second hand Sundays (for pre-loved queer books) and have a queer noticeboard for LGBTQ+ events.
The Portal Bookshop
5 Patrick Pool,
York,
YO1 8BB
https://the-portal-bookshop.square.site/s/shop
A relatively new bookshop in York that specialises in Science Fiction, Fantasy and “all of the LGBTQIA books we can source from the UK, the US and beyond”. There’s also an LGBTQ+ cafe upstairs.
The Queerish Bookshop
39a Bondgate,
Darlington,
County Durham, DL3 7JJ.
https://www.thequeerishbookshop.co.uk/
Specialising in radical and LGBTQ+ literature, but as they say, “we do stock the odd book that may not necessarily fall into either category (the ish in Queerish)”. Their about page is a joyous self description of how they came about. They’re owned by a passionate and trying their best to build a place for the community. I implore you to look them up if you’re in the North East or buy online if you’re in the UK (they can’t ship overseas yet).
Proud Geek
An online only bookstore that offers a wide range of titles from the past 25 years. And titles itself as your one-stop-online-shop for everything geeky and queer: from sapphic fiction, to trans superheroes, to gay teen coming of age classics.
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN WALES
Shelflife Books And Zines
The Castle Emporium,
Womanby Street,
Cardiff,
CF10 1BS
https://www.shelflifebookshop.com/
Not exclusively queer, this not-for-profit radical bookshop in Cardiff works with independent publishers and DIY zine-makers to create a space for marginalised and under-represented voices. Started by incredibly passionate bookseller Rosie Smith, who believed there was a market for an independent bookshop of this type in Wales. These types of shop MUST be supported. She’s hoping to be able to make the shop into a space for events and meetings.
Paned o Gê
2 – 4 Royal Arcade
Cardiff
CF10 1AE
A social enterprise designed to highlight, promote and celebrate LGBTQ+ talent and creators. Look out for events including author discussions and signings.
Gay On Wye
3 Lion Street,
Hay-On-Wye,
Powys
HR3 5AA
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/gayonwye
Only opened in August 2023 Gay On Wye is aiming to become a vibrant hub for the community, with author talks, book signings, book clubs, cultural gatherings, and more.
Gayberystwyth Books
Unit 8, Aberystwyth Market Hall,
Upper Darkgate Street,
Aberystwyth
https://www.instagram.com/gayberystwyth_books/
So new they don't have a website yet, only social media pages. But they have a lovely little shop and so many people have recommended them that we had to include them on this list.
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN SCOTLAND
Lighthouse
43- 45 West Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DB
https://www.lighthousebookshop.com/
A queer-owned and women-led community bookshop in Edinburgh specialising in radical books. They describe themselves as “an unapologetically activist, intersectional, feminist, antiracist, lgbtq+ community space.” They include most genres, from politics, history, fiction and travel writing to Children’s books, crafts and cookery.
Category Is Books
34 Allison Street,
Glasgow,
G42 8NN
https://www.categoryisbooks.com/
Above the door of the shop is a sign that reads, “Hope Will Never Be Silent” and this is such a beautiful way to introduce any queer shop. The founders and owner Bug (they/them) and Fionn (‘Fin’) Duffy-Scott (they/them) say that it’s “a space to learn about, be inspired by and share in our love of queer books, history, art, activism, writing and storytelling.” And they sell both new and pre-owned books, magazines, graphic novels, comics, zines and badges!
QUEER BOOKSHOPS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Paperxclips
3rd Floor Blackstaff Mill
81 Springfield Road
Belfast,
BT12 7AE
A queer-owned and operated bookshop, barbershop, coffee shop and community space in West Belfast that’s a wonderful place where everyone in the LGBTQ+ community can find comfort and safety.
UK ONLINE ONLY
Proud Geek
Proud Geek offers a wide range of titles from the past 25 years. And titles itself as your one-stop-online-shop for everything geeky and queer: from sapphic fiction, to trans superheroes, to gay teen coming of age classics.
CANADA
Glad Day Bookshop
499 Church Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 2C6
https://www.gladdaybookshop.com/
Having opened in 1970 Glad Day Bookshop stakes a claim to be the oldest queer bookstore in the world. They sell a wide selection of 2SLGBTQ+ literature and also merch from local Canadian artists and makers. They also have a subscription box idea in which their staff pick two books each month that are mailed out to you.
Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium
1238 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E 1N3
“More than anything else, Little Sister’s represents the power of community. It has never been about one person, or two, or three, or four. It’s always been about a community.” These are the words of co-founder Jim Deva who sadly died in 2014. Having opened in 1983 Little Sister’s has had its share of drama, from government harassment and homophobic bombings. But the shop still offers a safe place, events, and an amazing range of queer books for all ages. As well as an award-winning greeting card section, adult toys and supplies.
Spartacus Books
101 - 1983 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A8
Not exclusively a queer bookshop, but a not-for-profit, volunteer-run radical bookstore with large sections on gender and queer studies as well as other sci-fi and radical books. They also stock zines and merch as well as many periodicals.
Cross & Crows Books
2836 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
Canada V5N 4C6
https://www.crossandcrows.com/
A queer store that also focusses heavily on marginalised communities. Alongside their prominent queer and Pride sections they have sections highlighting books on disability, on trans rights, books by indigenous queer authors, and by mainstream Canadian authors/publishers. We particularly liked their area promoting books that had been banned or targeted in schools and libraries.
UNITED STATES
ALABAMA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Burdock Book Collective
4413 5th Avenue South,
Birmingham, AL 35222
https://www.burdockbookcollective.com/
An intersectional feminist bookstore with a carefully assembled queer section alongside ranges for a number of other marginalised communities.
ARIZONA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Antigone Books
411 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ
https://www.antigonebooks.com/
Originally a lesbian-owned feminist bookstore they’ve expanded their range to be more inclusive of other genres. But they do have a strong queer literature section with classic gay, trans, lesbian, and ace titles in stock. They include YA and children's books, graphic novels and queer fiction and lesbian romances. They also carry Pride supplies.
Marigold
Pop up shop in various locations
A women-owned pop-up bookshop for "queer and femme voices" in various locations in Phoenix. Check their event schedule for locations. Or you can check out their bookshop.org pages or email them and they can order whichever book you want. They also have a book club called Mad Women, where you can mix with an amazing community of Phoenix book lovers.
CALIFORNIA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Fabulosa Books
489 Castro St,
San Francisco
CA
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
This store in The Castro specialises in LGBTQ+ books, but also includes sections for other genres such as science & nature writing, ethnic studies, witchcraft, poetry, progressive politics, history, cookbooks, sci-fi, and all types of literature. They host loads of events too, including an LGBTQ+ book club and send LGBTQ+ books to groups in states that ban them, so people still have access. This is a lovely story about them in The Guardian
A Seat at the Table
9257 Laguna Springs Dr, Suite 130
Elk Grove,
CA 95758
https://aseatatthetablebooks.org/
A family-owned bookstore, cafe and community space that is queer-owned but not solely focussed on queer books. It’s for many under served sections of the community. The store was founded by Emily Autenrieth (ey/em) in January 2020 and initially run as a pop-up, before moving into a physical shop in 2021. They also have regular events and there is a quiet room for neurodivergent and nursing people to enjoy a sensory break, and a camping-themed play area.
The Salt Eaters Bookshop
302 East Queen Street
Inglewood, CA 90301
https://www.thesalteatersbooks.com
An independent bookstore in Inglewood, prioritising books, comics, and zines by and about Black women, girls, femmes, and gender expansive people. Inspired by The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara, the shop is working to create a resting ground for us all, a place to come home. As well as books the shop has a lively events programme and merch.
The Ripped Bodice
3806 Main St.
Culver City, CA 90232
https://www.therippedbodicela.com
The Ripped Bodice is devoted to the celebration of romance novels. The store is proudly woman and queer owned and features a vast and diverse selection of romance fiction. The fastest growing area of LGBTQ+ literature. The store also has events most evenings, from various book club meets to author signings. Plus a wide selection of gift items with a focus on supporting independent, woman owned businesses.
The Lavender Library
1414 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
https://www.lavenderlibrary.com
A volunteer-run LGBTQ+ library and community space featuring a range of books, films, zines and a large research archive. They also have a full schedule of events, including support groups, book club meets, open mic nights, and community events. The Lavender Library, Archives, and Cultural Exchange, or LLACE is one of those amazing spaces and resources that every city wishes they had: a sanctuary, gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community, and a place to hold our collective queer histories.
COLORADO QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Petals & Pages
956 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
https://petalsandpagesofdenver.com
A feminist & queer bookstore, flower shop, and community space in Denver. Owner and founder Dylah Ray (she/her) is a queer poet and lifelong lover of both books & florals. They host a monthly book club, open mic nights, author talks, flower and craft workshops, seasonal parties, and more.
FLORIDA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Hello Again Books
411 Brevard Ave.,
Cocoa Village,
Cocoa FL, 32922
https://www.helloagainbooks.com
A woman-owned, LGBTQ+ owned small bookstore providing a safe space for the local community by offering a variety of new and used books, literary gift items, and inspiring, fun weekly and monthly events for readers of all ages. Their aim is “We believe that by embracing the creativity of a truly diverse community, we can contribute (in our small way) to making our corner of the world a more welcoming and friendly place!”
Common Ground Books
128 N Bronough St
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Specialising in LGBTQ+, feminist, and banned books. They also have merch, events and book clubs.
GEORGIA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Charis Books & More
184 S. Candler St.
Decatur, GA 30030
https://www.charisbooksandmore.com
A queer feminist bookstore that “fosters sustainable feminist communities, works for social justice, and encourages the expression of diverse and marginalised voices.” They have loads of queer and trans events for youth, young adult and adult groups.
ILLINOIS QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
https://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
A feminist bookshop run by intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, with more than 20,000 books in stock. The store has been running for more than 40 years. Although it was sold to two of its staffers in 2014, they have carried on the mission, and seen interest in feminism increase in recent years, particularly from young people. Their inclusion here is down to their focus on trans literature as part of their feminist outlook.
Unabridged Books
3251 N Broadway,
Chicago, IL 60657
https://www.unabridgedbookstore.com
A neighbourhood bookstore that’s self proclaimed as “Chicago’s premier go-to-bookstore for LGBTQ literature”. While the website showcases a prominent Queer Book Club, there’s little else in the way of visuals or open support for the community, but in the local queer community they’re an institution, having focussed on LGBTQ+ literature since the 1980s. So worth dropping in if you’re in Chicago.
KANSAS QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Sapphic Sweets & Reads
Mobile and Pop up stores See website for locations
https://shop.sweetreadsict.com
A queer-oriented travelling bookstore based in Wichita, KS, owned and operated by a married trans lesbian couple. They stock a number of different literature genres, plus comics and graphic novels. With youth and young adult sections also in the shop. Their aim is to eventually graduate to a permanent bricks and mortar store.
MAINE QUEER BOOKSHOPS
The Lucky Fox Bookshop
Pop up - Various locations
https://www.theluckyfoxbookshop.com
Founded and run by the Ash (she/Her) who’s infectious enthusiasm for books and reading leaps out of the pages of the store website. The Lucky Fox operates online and as a pop up at various locations around Portland (check their website for locations and dates). They have a range of books from fantasy, fiction, historical, LGBTQ+, romance, thriller/horror and young adult, plus loads of lovely merch and regular queer events.
MARYLAND/WASHINGTON D.C. QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Little District Books
Barrack's Row
737 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20005
https://littledistrictbooks.com
A wonderful little queer bookshop in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Southeast Washington. They stock fiction, non-fiction, childrens and teens books and graphic novels, plus a great selection of queer merch. You can also buy audiobooks from them and they have loads of interesting book clubs and a full calendar of events for children and adults. Their lovely Curated Surprise Gift Box idea helps you to send a book to someone based on the information you give them about that person.
Loyalty Bookstore
843 Upshur Street NW,
Washington, DC 20011
&
923 Gist Ave,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
https://www.loyaltybookstores.com
A store founded by Hannah Oliver Depp that focuses on serving the communities of colour and queerness. Loyalty aims to bring a diverse array of books, plus regular community events, gifts, stationary and programming. They have an exceptional range of intersectional books centred in the store and in the staff picks.
MASSACHUSETTS QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Womencrafts
376 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657
Opened in 1976, Womancrafts has become a lesbian and feminist institution. Stocking a vast array of books across every genre and type to satisfy the needs of their audience. It’s an inviting space that also hosts many events, and has become a destination for many women of multiple generations. When it was bought by Michelle Axelson she said: “My worldview has been formed by the same life experiences that have affected the shop. My path as a woman and as a lesbian have been made easier by places like Womencrafts and the women who have run it so lovingly.”
All She Wrote
75 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
https://www.allshewrotebooks.com
Founded originally as a pop up in 2019, All She Wrote now has a lovely bricks and mortar store in the eastern part of Somerville, a town just to the northwest of Boston. Their range is centred around intersectional queer feminist literature, but they have a wide range of subjects including health, horror, comics, design and biographies. They also have several events each month.
MICHIGAN QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Wayfaring Booksellers
1023 South Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI 48910
https://www.wayfaringbooksellers.com
A queer/women-owned bookstore that aims to “ celebrate and amplify queer books and stories while uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community”. They carry both new and used books, and have a fun bingo card prompt called ‘Read Queer all Year’, in which they prompt customers to read a different type of book each time.
MINNESOTA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
The Irreverent Bookworm
5163 Bloomington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55417
A friendly Minneapolis neighbourhood queer & ‘neuromagical’-owned bookshop selling both new & used books. They sell a diverse range of books and offer a trade in service too.
MISSISSIPPI QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Violet Valley
303 N Main St
Water Valley,
Mississippi 38965
A lesbian, feminist and queer bookshop founded by Dr. Jaime Harker, author of The Lesbian South. They have a huge selection of titles covering a wide range of feminist and queer genres and topics, and some lovely merch.
MISSOURI QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Left Bank Books
399 N. Euclid Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
A radical bookshop that runs regular reading groups for both gay men and lesbians and a separate Pride reading group. Opened in 1969 by a group of graduate students at Washington University who wanted to create a place where one could find all kinds of literature.
MONTANA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Montana Book Company
31 N Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT 59601-5013
A queer-owned bookstore sticking a wide range of genres for everyone. You can also find greeting cards, stationery, vinyl, gifts, author readings, book clubs, community events, and more. The intention of wonders Chelsia Rice and Charlie Crawford is to build community and defend equal rights through promoting engagement in social justice through advocacy, giving and philanthropy, and to provide a space where everyone is welcomed and has access to stories that reflect their experience.
NEBRASKA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Sower Books
Meadowlane Shopping Center
914 N. 70th St.
Lincoln, NE
Opening on Labor Day, Sept. 2nd 2024
https://bookshop.org/categories/m/fiction/lgbtq-fiction
A queer/woman owned general interest bookstore with a special focus on marginalised voices and local creatives. They feature fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, toys, and gifts. They have specific sections online for LGBTQ+ books.
NEW MEXICO QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Harvest Moon Books
3123 Central Ave NE Ste A
Albuquerque, NM 87106
https://bookshop.org/shop/harvestmoonbooks
A bookshop dedicated to books by queer and trans authors and authors of colour. You'll find plenty of experimental fiction and newly translated works here, as well as non-fiction that covers a wide range of issues.
NEW YORK QUEER BOOKSHOPS
The Ripped Bodice
218 5th Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY 11215
https://www.therippedbodicela.com/ripped-bodice-brooklyn
Specialising in romance novels. Sister shop to The Ripped Bodice in California.
Bluestockings
116 Suffolk Street
New York,
NY 10002
Bluestockings frames itself as New York's only queer, trans and sex worker run bookstore, and a scan down their homepage leaves you in no doubt that they cater deeply to all of those audiences. But it’s much more than a bookstore. It is actually a collectively-run activist centre, community space and feminist bookstore that engages in political education. Located on the Lower East Side it aims to provide a safe space for all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities.
Bureau of General Services - Queer Division
Room 210 (second floor)
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center,
208 West 13th Street,
New York City
https://bookshop.org/shop/bgsqd
Created by The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York this all volunteer space is a combination of bookstore, cultural centre and event space. The goal is to foster a sex-positive community by offering books, publications, and art and by hosting readings, performances, film screenings, book discussion groups, and workshops. “I've seen most of the writers I know read here at one time or another” says Torrey Peters, author of Detransition, Baby.
NORTH CAROLINA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Firestorm Books
1022 Haywood Rd,
Asheville, NC
An LGBTQ+ Collective owns this bookshop that they’re aiming to make into a sustainable space for the community. Firestorm features regular events, such as film screenings, political and economic teach-ins, game nights, local and travelling musicians and community workshops.
OHIO QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Little Gay Bookstore
3808 N Williams Ave Ste 114,
Portland, OR 97227
https://www.alwaysherebooks.com
A queer/neurodivergent-owned bookstore born out of the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves in books, and that LGBTQ+ stories - especially those that are also BIPOC and/or disabled - are important, and deserve to be told. Always Here has books from kids to adult and in a wide range of genres plus a range of teas, pride flags and lovely merch.
OREGON QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Always Here Bookstore
3808 N Williams Ave Ste 114,
Portland, OR 97227
https://www.alwaysherebooks.com
A queer/neurodivergent-owned bookstore born out of the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves in books, and that LGBTQ+ stories - especially those that are also BIPOC and/or disabled - are important, and deserve to be told. Always Here has books from kids to adult and in a wide range of genres plus a range of teas, pride flags and lovely merch.
Bishop & Wilde
2601 NW Thurman St
Portland, OR 97210
https://shopbishopandwilde.com
Queer owned and run bookshop, with prominent LGBTQ+ book selections and a great programme of events. The website requires you to create an account before accessing the shop pages.
PHILADELPHIA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Giovanni's Room Bookstore
345 S. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Named after James Baldwin’s novel Giovanni's Room, this gay bookstore opened in 1973 by thee Gay Activists Alliance members. It operates as a non-profit, with proceeds donated to local organisations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They have loads of books for all identities and areas of the community plus book clubs, signings, and discussions throughout the year. They also sell Pride merch.
SOUTH CAROLINA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Queer Haven Books
1332 Main Street, Unit #120
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Founded as a ‘place of safety and refuge’ for all people in the LGBTQ+ community in the Southern States. Queer Haven sells books by LGBTQ+ authors or books that feature LGBTQ+ characters and have books of all genres for all ages. They also have coffee, snacks, drinks, games, art, gifts and other merch. This is very much a place by the community and for the community to hang out and meet.
SOUTH DAKOTA QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Full Circle Book Co-op
123 W. 10th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
https://bookshop.org/shop/fullcirclebookcoop
A cishet-owned general interest bookstore in Sioux Falls who’s clear and prominent allyship both online and in store has meant they’ve earned a place in this list. Not only a bookstore, it’s also a beer and wine bar, and event space.
TEXAS QUEER BOOKSHOPS
The Little Gay Shop
1902 E 12th Street
Austin TX 78702
A shop that sells books, queer artwork (and work by queer artists), lovely Pride merch and homewares. They also have a full programme of events and LGBTQ+ book clubs. They were born out of a perceived feeling that queer artists needed a better platform to showcase their work and get better compensation for their efforts.
UTAH QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Under the Umbrella Bookstore
511 W 200 S, Suite 120
Salt Lake City,
UT 84101
https://www.undertheumbrellabookstore.com
Self described as a 'queer little bookstore' this awesome shop shares and celebrates queer books written by queer authors and offering a safe, sober, and accessible space for, "2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages to congregate and celebrate their stories". Kaitlyn and their team prioritise less heard sections within the LGBTQ+ community to give them a greater voice. Under the Umbrella stocks books across all genres and for all ages, including current and classic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and more plus merch. This really is an absolute gem of a store and if you have a chance to support them please do.
WASHINGTON QUEER BOOKSHOPS
Left Bank Books
92 Pike
Seattle
WA
A radical bookshop collective that specialises in anti-authoritarian, anarchist, independent, radical and small-press titles, and includes sections on queer and trans studies.
WISCONSIN QUEER BOOKSHOPS
A Room of One’s Own
2717 Atwood Avenue,
Madison,
WI
A feminist bookstore with prominent LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction sections that offers a wide selection of current and classic fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, local interest titles, gifts, toys, and greeting cards. They also have a rich programme of events including queer and gender nonconforming events.
AUSTRALIA
The Bookshop Darlinghurst
207 Oxford Street,
Darlinghurst,
Sydney NSW 2010
https://www.thebookshop.com.au
The Bookshop Darlinghurst is an Australian LGBTQ+ institution. It’s been a comprehensive source of books and other materials for Sydney and Australia's LGBTIQ+ communities for more than 40 years. They also offer DVDs, erotica, magazines and other ephemera.
Hares & Hyenas
Victorian Pride Centre
79 – 81 Fitzroy Street,
St.Kilda VIC 3182
https://www.hares-hyenas.com.au
Founded in 1991, Hares & Hyenas offers a huge range of fiction and non-fiction titles, coffee table books, erotica, DVDs, cards and the latest magazines from around the world, as well as tickets to all the main queer events.
Shelf Lovers
1 Dickson Street
Wooloowin
QLD 4030
An LGBTQ+ and romance bookshop founded in 2021 and stocks a huge range of queer and trans books for all ages. Both fiction and non-fiction, plus romance as well as a large hetero romance section. They specialise in hard to source LGBTQ+ books. They also have a load of LGBTQ+ themed gifts, geekery and pop culture accessories and a full programme of events and workshops.
NEW ZEALAND
Alphabet Book Club
Online only
An online bookstore selling a range of genres of books and products with positive LGBTQ+ representation. It was set up to give kiwis a way to see themselves represented in books without paying for excessive shipping, waiting for months, and supporting large international conglomerates. They have awesome book clubs and merch.
Agnes & Eddie
Online and Pop Ups
A boutique one-stop queer shop for all sorts of gender affirming, pride merch, and a LGBTQ+ bookstore rolled into one. Founded because enby owner Margot couldn't find a binder available in New Zealand. They operate online and as a series of pop ups. As they say on their website “We're run by queers, for queers”. Their bookstore includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, magazines, zines and poetry titles for all identities and from children to adult. See website for next pop up locations.
