The end of Pride Month is here, but that doesn’t mean we should stop talking about LGBTQIA+ issues. Two days ago, it was the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Around the world, we are seeing LGBTQIA+ and feminist books be targeted by censorship laws. History is a circle that is repeating itself. Banning books is a direct attack on education, as their purpose is not to protect (as the people in charge of these laws pretend), but to create more ignorance. Knowing queer history is primordial. Educating yourself on queer theory and issues should be the default, but since education is power, those who don’t have our best interests at heart profit from taking away that power. Here we’ve compiled five bookstores in Europe that look to bring forth queer and feminist literature.
Gay’s The Word in London, UK
Gay’s The Word is one of the most known queer bookstores around the world. Although it is a small space, the amount of diversity and knowledge that resides between those walls is unforgettable. The bookstore often has guest signings, and the people working there offer interesting discussions and recommendations. The name of the bookstore is breaking the stigma around queerness, in an era where laws such as “Don’t say gay” exist. Their symbol is the pink triangle, which is what homosexuals were obligated to wear during World War II. It is a powerful reclaim of our history, and the bookstore that finds itself near King’s Cross Station has anything you could search for.
Address: 66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB, United Kingdom
Les Mots à la Bouche in Paris, France
Did you know Paris used to be considered the lesbian capital during the 1900s because of the large population of Sapphic women that lived there? You’ve probably heard of Shakespeare & Company, who was founded by Sylvia Beach, a fellow Sapphic. More recently, Les Mots à la Bouche opened thirty-four years ago. It is a bookstore that I fell in love with when first visiting, as it the atmosphere is undeniably queer. On top of having a lot of books I hadn’t seen anywhere else, there are postcards representing queer art, LGBTQ+ flags to purchase, tote bags, and many more elements that make it more than just a regular bookstore. Downstairs, they have a gallery of cinema, theater and art books. Most of the books are in French, but there’s one small section of English books. Located in the 11th arrondissement, it is worth visiting, even if it’s just to browse.
Address: 37 Rue Saint-Ambroise, 75011 Paris, France
She Said in Berlin, Germany
She Said is a bookstore that only has books written by female and queer authors. The purpose is to highlight these books who are often dismissed, the literature field still being dominated by male authors. Inside the bookstore, you will find a colorful interior and an eccentric display. There are many genres you can dive into, the diversity of the novels soothing the most curious minds. There are equal amounts of books in German, as well as English, and the store offers zines and tote bags too. Once you’ve made your selection, head to the little cafe inside the bookstore and enjoy some of the best vegan food and beverages there are. Located in East Berlin, it is a wonderful place to give your time and attention to.
Address: Kottbusser Damm 79, 10967 Berlin, Germany
Tulitu in Brussels, Belgium
Tulitu is a bookstore that offers a lot of books on feminist and queer theory, in the genres of fiction, poetry, philosophy and everything in between. Laid out on the ground floor and first floor, their selection is worth taking your time browsing and finding a piece of literature to expand your mind. The bookstore offers a high percentage of books in French, with a few English gems. Hidden in the neighborhood of Dansaert, you’ve gotta know where you’re going, but once you’re there you’ll find it difficult to leave.
Address: Rue de Flandre 55, 1000 Bruxelles
Savannah Bay in Utrecht, The Netherlands
Only a train ride away from Amsterdam, you’ll find Savannah Bay in Utrecht. This gem of a bookstore welcomes you in with the delicate display, already telling you that you’re entering a place brimming with acceptance. The shop specializes in literary works, poetry, post-colonialism, as well as gender studies. Similar to the Berlin bookstore, you will find a small café inside where you can enjoy a nice conversation and beverage. Found in the center of Utrecht, the place only adds to the beauty of the city.
Address: Telingstraat 13, 3512 GV Utrecht, Netherlands
Supporting independent queer & feminist bookshops during these times is important. We need safeguarding of our history and our stories. There is insurmountable proof that we have always been here, and we will not be erased. If you want to know our personal experiences with figuring out our queer identities, we just wrote an article about it that you can read here:
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