Queer Books

In 2026, Barcelona marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death — a year in which the city has also been designated World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO, placing it at the heart of a global conversation about one of history's most extraordinary creative minds. To celebrate, we are welcoming one of the world's leading authorities on Gaudí and Barcelona's modernist architecture for an evening of conversation, stories and discovery. **Gijs van Hensbergen** is a Dutch art historian, Hispanist and author whose work has brought Gaudí to readers around the world. Trained at the Courtauld Institute of Art, he wrote the first critical biography of Antoni Gaudí, widely praised as the definitive account of the man and his work. He has since written on Gaudí's Sagrada Família for Bloomsbury, appeared on CBS 60 Minutes, BBC Radio 4 and TV3, and lectured at institutions including the Museo del Prado, the National Gallery London and the Reina Sofía. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Times, the Wall Street Journal and El País, among many others. This evening, in conversation with moderator **Nick Lloyd**, Gijs will take us behind the stones and spires — into the life, obsessions and genius of Gaudí, and what it means to be in Barcelona during this once-in-a-century year. Nick Lloyd is a writer, historian, and founder of Spanish Civil War Tours, a project dedicated to bringing the stories of the conflict to life through guided visits to key sites across Catalonia and Aragón. Over the years, his work has helped connect countless visitors with Spain’s complex past, weaving together the political, cultural, and personal dimensions of the war. This event is made possible thanks to ***Seven Dreams of Gaudí***, an ambitious concert project co-created and produced by Renée Cooke, premiering at the Palau de la Música Catalana as part of the Year of Gaudí celebrations. Find out more at [sevendreamsofgaudi.com](http://sevendreamsofgaudi.com/). **[ORDER GIJS BOOKS HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/browse?s=Gijs+van+Hensbergen&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1)**

**BOOK YOUR GAME TABLE FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY AT THE ARCHIVO ARCANO** 🎲 Welcome to the best board games club in Barcelona! Become a free member and enjoy a unique space to play, with its own games library, shop and themed rooms. **What is a board game club?** The ARCHIVO ARCANO is not just a store with tables to play; It is an exclusive space for members, where you can enjoy your games quietly while having a drink or something to eat surrounded by games and manuscripts. **How to be a member?** Easy. You can become a member for free by purchasing a Primigenia Membership. If Arcanism gets the better of you, you'll always be in time to upgrade to Cult or Arcane membership, with more and better perks. You can become a member directly in the ARCHIVO ARCANO or at [ARCHIVO ARCANO](https://www.archivoarcano.com) **Table reservations** You can reserve a table at any time. For a price of €6 per person, you will have your table for a whole 5-hour time slot (morning, noon or evening) from Monday to Sunday between 10am and 10pm. You can book through meet up, on wahtsapp at +34930253566 or at [BOOK A TABLE HERE](https://www.archivoarcano.com/reservas) **Board Games** Do you want to try games before buying them or just don't want to bring your own? Take a look at more than 200 games available in the Arcane Archive and come play any of them: you can request it when making your reservation or directly at the venue. You already know the advantages, you are just one step away from enjoying them all. Look through the lock, the ARCHIVO ARCANO awaits!

La propera trobada de la colla **[Treu la llengua (de l'armari)](https://www.treulallenguadelarmari.cat/), de Barcelona,** grup de conversa LGTBI+ en català, serà al bar **Moeem** el dilluns 8 de juny a les 19:30 h. Els **NOUS PARLANTS sou especialment benvinguts** per practicar la llengua amb nosaltres. Animeu-vos a venir-hi. Es punxaran també **hits en català**! The next LGTBI+ meet-up of the **[Treu la llengua (from the closet)](https://www.treulallenguadelarmari.cat/)** group from **Barcelona**, group of conversation in Catalan language, will take place at the **Moeem** bar, on Monday 8th June at 7.30 PM. **NEW SPEAKERS are particularly welcome** to come and practice the language with us. Come and join us! **Hits in catalan** will be played as well! El próximo encuentro del grupo **[Treu la Llengua (del armario)](https://www.treulallenguadelarmari.cat/) de Barcelona**, grupo de conversación LGTBI+ en catalán, tendrá lugar en el bar **Moeem**, el lunes 8 de junio a las 19:30 h. Los **NUEVOS HABLANTES sois especialmente bienvenidos** a practicar la lengua con nosotros. Animaos a venir. Se pincharán también **hits en catalán**! La prochaîne rencontre du group **[Treu la Llengua (du placard)](https://www.treulallenguadelarmari.cat/) de Barcelone**, group d'entretien LGTBI+ en catalan, va se tenir au bar **Moeem** lundi 8 juin à 19h30. **Les NOUVEAUX LOCUTEURS, vous êtes spécialment bienvenus**, pour mener à bien la pratique de la langue avec nous. Venez nous rejoindre. On jouera aussi des **hits en catalan**!

Sessió de dibuix i shibari amb la model @matriarchyofmoans Tornem a Bou de Sant Pere 8, l'espai on fèiem aquestes sessions fa tres anys. Una sessió íntima i de grup reduït en què explorarem la figura humana a través del dibuix i l'art del shibari. Treballarem amb una combinació de poses curtes i llargues, ideals tant per a qui vulgui practicar l'esbós gestual com per a qui prefereixi desenvolupar estudis més detallats. Inclou material de dibuix, vi i aperitius. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Material de dibuix inclòs 🍷 Vi i aperitius inclosos 👥 Grup reduït i ambient íntim Places limitades. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sesión de dibujo y shibari con la modelo @matriarchyofmoans Regresamos a Bou de Sant Pere 8, el espacio donde celebramos estas sesiones hace ya tres años. Una sesión íntima y de aforo reducido en la que exploraremos la figura humana a través del dibujo y el arte del shibari. Trabajaremos con una combinación de poses cortas y largas, ideales tanto para quienes buscan practicar el gesto rápido como para quienes prefieren desarrollar estudios más detallados. Incluye material de dibujo, vino y snacks. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Material incluido 🍷 Vino y aperitivos incluidos 👥 Grupo reducido \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Life Drawing & Shibari Session with @matriarchyofmoans We're returning to Bou de Sant Pere 8, the space where we hosted these sessions three years ago. An intimate, small-group session exploring the human figure through drawing and the art of shibari. We'll work with a combination of short and long poses, ideal both for quick gesture studies and for more detailed, developed drawings. Drawing materials, wine, and snacks are included. 📍 Bou de Sant Pere 8 🎨 Drawing materials provided 🍷 Wine and snacks included 👥 Small, intimate group Limited spots available.

**🌅 SUNDAY SUNSET Paddle Surf Experience – Start Your Erasmus Journey Right! 🏄‍♂️** Are you new to Barcelona and looking for an unforgettable adventure? There’s no better way to start your day than watching the sunrise while floating on the sea! 🌊☀️ Join us for a Paddle Surf session in Barceloneta, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, meet other international students, and experience Barcelona like never before! 📍 Event Details: 📅 Date: Check our [https://www.instagram.com/exchangestudentlife_bcn/](https://www.instagram.com/exchangestudentlife_bcn/) ⏰ Time: 6:00 AM (yes, it’s early, but totally worth it!) 📍 Location: JOIN THE WHATSAPP GROUP TO STAY UPDATED : [https://www.instagram.com/exchangestudentlife_bcn/](https://www.instagram.com/exchangestudentlife_bcn/) (link in bio) 🎟️ Price & Booking: 💰 Price: €20 (includes board, instructor & stunning sunrise experience) 💳 Booking: Pay €5 in advance to secure your spot, and €15 upon arrival 📲 Show the QR Code (found in the Tickets section of your account on our website) 🔹 Limited Spots Available – Max 50 People! 💙 Exclusive Discount: Erasmus Membership Card holders get €5 OFF! Don’t miss out on this unique experience! Let’s paddle together and create unforgettable memories! 🌊✨ Follow us on Instagram for updates! 🚀🎿 [https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZou-JlBK2qW4UH/](https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZou-JlBK2qW4UH/)

**RESERVA TU MESA DE JUEGO DE LUNES A DOMINGO EN EL ARCHIVO ARCANO** 🎲 Bienvenido al mejor club de juegos de mesa de Barcelona! Hazte miembro gratis y disfruta de un espacio para jugar único, con ludoteca propia, tienda y salas tematizadas. **¿Qué es un club de juegos de mesa?** El Archivo Arcano no es solo una tienda con mesas para jugar; es un espacio exclusivo para miembros, donde disfrutar de tus partidas tranquilamente mientras tomas o comes algo rodeado de juegos y manuscritos. **¿Cómo ser miembro?** Fácil. Puedes hacerte miembro gratuitamente adquiriendo una Membresía Primigenia. Si el Arcanismo se apodera de ti, siempre estarás a tiempo de ampliar a las membresías Sectaria o Arcana, con más y mejores ventajas. Puedes hacerte miembro directamente en el Archivo Arcano o en https://www.archivoarcano.com/tienda/Membres%C3%ADas-c121295603?sort=priceAsc **Reserva de mesas** Puedes reservar una mesa en cualquier momento. Por un precio de 6€ por persona, dispondrás de tu mesa durante toda una franja horaria de 5 horas (mañana, mediodía o tarde-noche) de lunes a domingo entre las 10h y las 22h. Puedes reservar a través de meet up, en wahtsapp al +34930253566 o en https://www.archivoarcano.com/reservas **Ludoteca Arcana** ¿Quieres probar juegos antes de comprarlos o simplemente no quieres traer los tuyos? Échale un ojo a mas de 200 juegos disponibles en el Archivo Arcano y ven a jugar con cualquiera de ellos: puedes pedirlo al hacer tu reserva o directamente en el local. Ya conoces las ventajas, estás a un solo paso de disfrutarlas todas. Mira a través de la cerradura, el ARCHIVO ARCANO te aguarda!

**[BOOK NOW](https://www.quizeatdrink.com/barcelona/events) AND LET THE QUIZ BEGIN! 🦉!** ✨ **Get Ready for Barcelona’s Newest Quiz Night at Pasa Tapas!** Dive into the world of trivia with QED’s latest sensation—now landing in Barcelona! Join us at the lively Pasa Tapas for an unforgettable evening of **Quiz. Eat. Drink.** The perfect mix of brain-teasing fun and great vibes. ✨ ### What’s on Offer? 🏆 **Exciting Prizes** – Big rewards await the sharpest minds 🍴 **Gourmet Delights** – Enjoy delicious tapas and refreshing drinks 🧠 **Competitive Fun** – Bring your A-game and battle it out with fellow quiz lovers ### More Details ⏰ **Mondays \| 20:00** (Doors open) **\> 20:30** (Quiz Starts) 📍 **Pasa Tapas** – C. del Doctor Aiguader, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 💸 **Special Price:** 4€ online (up to 24h before) **[BOOK HERE](https://www.quizeatdrink.com/barcelona/events)** 💸 **Door Price:** 6€ 👉 **Book your place now and secure the best price!** 📲 **Follow us on Instagram:** [@qed.barcelona/](https://www.instagram.com/qed.barcelona/) ### Team Up or Fly Solo? 👥 **Teams:** Up to 5 players, or come solo/small groups—we’ll match you up on arrival 🚨 **Capacity is limited**, so RSVP early to avoid missing out 🎉 **Come One, Come All!** Whether you’re a trivia pro or just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be. Expect laughs, competition, and great memories. 🤝 **In collaboration with [@BoardGamesBCN](https://instagram.com/BoardGamesBCN)** See you on quiz night! 🧩🍷

Award-winning author, Natalia Hooker, will read a selection from her children’s books. Colouring and activities to follow for children 3-8 years old. Readings will be in English, thanks! Books will be on sale in English and Spanish.

Dear all, The book for our next book club meeting for June 11, is **We'll prescribe you a cat** by Syou Ishida (Author), E. Madison Shimoda (Translator). Pages: 304 Published: 2024 I will search for another spot to meet, as it was too loud in Bar Patchwork. I will announce closer to the date where to meet. Have fun reading! Olivia PS: please do not forget there is a 3€ charge for each meeting. Also, please confirm if you cannot attend after your have RSVPed. Thank you!

Join Katie Annice Carr, author of [Moderate Becoming Good Later](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/moderate-becoming-good-later/), for the launch of [Thundery at Times: Loss, Hope and an Unfinished Kayaking Adventure](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/thundery-at-times/). Experience captivating readings and stories from this honest, humorous memoir—as seen on BBC Travel Show—tracing her shift from Barcelona motherhood to tackling her late brother Toby's unwritten book and Shipping Forecast kayaking challenge. She confronts grief, identity shifts, and inelegant paddles to uncover resilience, joy in nature and a sense of hope in adversity. Enjoy the storytelling and Q&A.

Aquest Divendres ens trobem els i les **Joves** de Treu la Llengua de l'Armari al bar **La Sala Beckett**, a partir de les 19.00 h, per gaudir d'una tarda agradable tot parlant i practicant el català. Si ets Jove LGBTI+ i vols practicar el teu català, no dubtis a vernir amb nosaltres. T'hi esperem! This Friday, the **Youth** of Treu la Llengua de l'Armari meet up at **La Sala Beckett** bar, starting at 7:00 p.m., to enjoy a pleasant afternoon speaking and practicing Catalan. If you are a Young LGBTI+ person and want to practice your Catalan, don't hesitate to join us. We look forward to seeing you there!

La colla **Treu la Llengua de l’Armari** de Barcelona us convoca cada dissabte a fer un **vermut LGTBI+**. Es tracta d’una activitat enfocada a la pràctica del català entre **nous parlants**. No és necessari tenir un nivell avançat de català, però sí **interès i motivació**. **Si us plau, confirmeu sempre l’assistència via Meetup. Ens facilita la gestió de l’esdeveniment.** **Per trobar-nos:** Busqueu un grup de persones assegudes a la terrassa o, si no hi som allà, busqueu ben a l'interior del local. *** ### The **Treu la Llengua de l’Armari** group from Barcelona organises an **LGTBI+ vermut gathering every Saturday**, especially aimed at **new speakers of Catalan**. You don’t need to have an advanced level of Catalan, but **interest and motivation are essential**. **Please confirm your attendance via Meetup, as it helps us organise the event.** Come and join us!! **To find us:** Look for a group of people sitting in the terrasse or, if we are not there, look well inside the bar. ***

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our July Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [Cemetery Boys](https://www.aiden-thomas.com/cemetery-boys) by Aiden Thomas in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

June is Fantasy month! • The book we will be discussing is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. (determined by votes from May Book Club. Message me your e-mail if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the Dublin library (Room 3). Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group. Please try to update your attendance if anything changes so we have an accurate head count for print outs and snacks :)

Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider! Book description: Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true. Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart. Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series