With book bans on the rise, these queer bookstores are more essential than ever
There's never been a better time to support an independent and queer-owned bookstore.
Mark
Despite living in the age of Amazon, you might be surprised to learn that independent bookstores are thriving.
In fact, according to Empower, brick-and-mortar stores are experiencing a rise, with an 11% year-over-year increase as of 2024.
Accordingly, the United States is filled with queer-owned shops that are doing essential work in supporting their local LGBTQ+ communities, promoting gay authors, and keeping queer works on the shelves while books become increasingly politicized.
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Of course, there’s no better time to buy a new book than on vacation. (Whether or not you crack it open before heading back home is your own business.)
And there’s never a bad time to support an independent and queer-owned bookstore!
Here are 7 shops to consider adding to your next itinerary…
The Ripped Bodice – Brooklyn & Los Angeles
This one is for the lovers! Not only is The Ripped Bodice the Northern Hemisphere’s first brick-and-mortar bookstore dedicated solely to romance books, but it’s also proudly woman- and queer-owned.
Founded by sisters Leah Koch and Bea Hodges-Koch, they first opened up shop in Los Angeles in 2016, before launching a second location in Brooklyn in 2023. In addition to housing a hefty collection of LGBTQ+ romance titles, they host a variety of events, like a monthly queer book club. Plus, their chic interior design (including lots of pink!) was tailor-made for Instagram Story snapshots.
Loyalty Bookstore – Washington, DC
Good vibes are aplenty at Loyalty Bookstore in Washington, DC. The store is co-owned by Hannah Oliver Depp and Christine Bollow, who collectively use their experiences as Black and Filipina queer women to inform their intersectional and diverse selection. (As they proudly boast on Instagram: “The inventory is gay every month… and so are we!”)
In addition to hosting events like author visits and drag queen story hours, their top-notch team prides itself on grade-A queer book recs.
A Room of One’s Own – Madison
A Room of One’s Own has been a fixture of Madison, Wisconsin since its opening in 1975. The trans-owned, liberation-focused bookstore stocks a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, gifts, toys, and greeting cards, with a heavy focus on LGBTQ+ and feminist titles — fitting, considering it’s named after a Virginia Woolf essay.
Their events include queer and trans open mics, game nights, and film screenings. Even in the chilly Wisconsin winters, it’s “the warmest gayest place to be.”
East End Books Ptown – Provincetown
East End Books Ptown has quickly become a Provincetown must-stop, thanks to owner Jeff Peters and all the creative types that his shop attracts, including Rachel Maddow, John Waters, and Jeff Hiller. Their shelves are stocked with a diverse and cultured variety of books, and your next favorite queer romance is only a seller recommendation away.
Better yet, its sunny windows offer a much-appreciated reminder that you’re only steps away from the salty Cape Cod air and scenic beach.
The Lavender Bookshop – Marietta
The Lavender Bookshop, which is located near Atlanta, Georgia, is a true labor of love. The LGBTQ+-focused store was created by Sara Williford, who started out working at another shop and quickly saw the impact her curation of queer literature had on the community. Ahead of its opening, she told Atlanta First that she wanted The Lavender Bookshop to show “people they aren’t alone, they are represented in media, and their stories do matter.”
In addition to an impressive collection of queer fiction and nonfiction, the store hosts a handful of book clubs, Magic: The Gathering get-togethers, and even a monthly craft club.
Blinking Owl Books – Fort Myers
There’s a quaint but thriving gay scene in Fort Myers, Florida, as evidenced by spots like Blinking Owl Books. The queer, veteran, and women-owned bookstore (in a cozy yellow bungalow) features no shortage of new and gently used books, “witchy wares,” and yarn, making it a proper spot for community.
On top of that, their event calendar includes journaling workshops, board game nights, poetry classes, and author visits.
The Irreverent Bookworm – Minneapolis
The coziest bookshop in Minneapolis is undoubtedly The Irreverent Bookworm. As a queer and women-owned bookshop, the store features comfy seating to test-run titles, a magical and witchy-vibed room (with no overhead lighting, thank goodness), and a vast and well-curated collection of new and used books.
Bonus: Their well-used Instagram page offers a peek into the day-to-day joys of being a queer bookseller.
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