The Best Gay Bookshops in the UK

The UK is home to some of the greatest LGBTQ+ writers, from Oscar Wilde to contemporary novelists like Jeanette Winterson and Alan Holinghurst. Many of us came of age reading books like Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit and The Line Of Beauty.

There are some great bookshops in the UK dedicated to LGBTQ+ writers. Here’s our guide to the must-visit bookshops literate gays will love.

Gay's the Word - London

Gay's the Word holds the distinction of being the UK's first gay bookshop, opening its doors in 1979. Founded by Ernest Hole (yes, lol), the shop has served as a cornerstone of London's LGBTQ+ community for over four decades. It houses an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ fiction, non-fiction, and academic texts, alongside a curated selection of magazines and periodicals.

The shop regularly hosts author events and book launches, maintaining its status as a cultural hub. Its historical significance extends beyond literature; it served as a meeting place for the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group in the 1980s, a story later depicted in the film "Pride" (2014).

Category IS Books - Glasgow

Launched in 2018 by Charlotte and Fionn Duffy-Scott, Category IS Books quickly established itself as a hub for LGBTQ+ literature in Scotland. The shop focuses on indie publishers and lesser-known LGBTQ+ authors, offering a platform for voices often overlooked in mainstream bookstores.

Category IS Books hosts regular community events, including queer writing workshops. They've also implemented a "pay it forward" scheme, allowing customers to purchase books for those who can't afford them. In addition to books, the shop stocks a range of LGBTQ+ themed gifts and merchandise.

The Portal Bookshop - York

The Portal Bookshop, opened in 2019 by Lali Hewitson, specializes in science fiction, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ literature. This unique focus on queer speculative fiction sets it apart from other bookshops. The Portal offers a selection of independently published and small press books, catering to readers seeking stories beyond the mainstream.

The shop runs a monthly LGBTQ+ book club and provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth with a dedicated YA section. Its commitment to diverse voices extends across genres, making it a treasure trove for readers of all interests.

Paned o Gê - Cardiff

Paned o Gê, which translates to "Cup of Gay" in Welsh, opened in 2021 as Wales' first LGBTQ+ bookshop and cafe. The shop offers a bilingual selection of books in Welsh and English.

The on-site cafe serves locally sourced food and drinks, creating a welcoming space for readers to linger. Paned o Gê hosts Welsh language LGBTQ+ events and author talks. They also stock LGBTQ+ themed crafts and artwork from local artists.

Queer Lit - Manchester

Queer Lit, established in 2021 by Matthew Cornford, quickly became a staple of Manchester's LGBTQ+ scene. The shop houses over 1,900 LGBTQ+ titles, offering an impressive range of queer literature under one roof.

Queer Lit goes beyond the traditional bookshop model by offering a subscription box service featuring curated LGBTQ+ reads (makes for a great gift). They also run an online store with worldwide shipping, making queer literature accessible globally. Regular book signings and meet-the-author events connect readers directly with LGBTQ+ writers.

The Common Press - Edinburgh

The Common Press, founded in 2020 by Molly Aitken, focuses on feminist and LGBTQ+ literature. The shop specializes in intersectional feminist and queer theory texts, offering academic works alongside more accessible reads. A highlight of The Common Press is its range of LGBTQ+ children's books.

Lighthouse Bookshop - Edinburgh

Located in Edinburgh, Lighthouse Bookshop is an LGBTQ+-owned, women-led independent bookstore. It proudly champions marginalized voices with a diverse selection of over 10,000 titles. The bookstore hosts various events, including author talks and an LGBTQ+ book club. This bookshop is a must-visit for the more politically minded. The owners are not shy about touting their activist credentials.

News from Nowhere - Liverpool

While not exclusively an LGBTQ+ bookshop, News from Nowhere has been a stalwart supporter of queer literature since its founding in 1974. The shop features an extensive LGBTQ+ section with both popular and academic texts.

News from Nowhere is worker-owned and run as a not-for-profit cooperative. They host regular LGBTQ+ author events and discussion groups. The shop also stocks a range of LGBTQ+ magazines and zines, supporting independent queer publications.

The Bookish Type - Leeds

There's a notable gay bookshop in Leeds called The Bookish Type. This independent queer bookshop, located at 77a Great George Street, was founded by Ray and Nic. They started with pop-up bookstalls in 2019, moved to an online presence, and finally opened their physical shop in September 2020.

The Bookish Type offers a wide range of queer literature, including fiction, children’s books, YA, memoirs, poetry, non-fiction, and graphic novels. Besides selling books, they actively engage with the local queer community through initiatives like Pay It Forward schemes, Queer History Tours, and Second Hand Sundays. It's worth a visit if you're in Leeds city center.