Queer Books

**What would it be like...** ...To spend four nights and five days in a peaceful place on a river, surrounded by thoughtful lesbians who are curious about themselves and about you, building real community and friendships in a safe, supportive environment? To feel accepted exactly as you are, whether you're in your 30s or your 80s, or anywhere in between... whether you've been out for decades, or are just coming out now... and have fun, go deep, *and* gain skills for your life as a woman or non-binary person who loves women? Dancing. Walking. Swimming. Sun-bathing. Canoeing. Playing conversation games that help you really get to know people. And attending what some members have called "lesbian university," with classes that help you make lasting changes to create the dating and love life you really want. *For many lesbians, a retreat like this one is a dream come true, a chance to break out of isolation and make connections that will last for the rest of your life.* **Here's what a few recent participants have said.** Our March 2026 retreat sold out so fast that we added this January retreat, and we're making it available to women\* new to Conscious Girlfriend Academy, as well as existing members. (All of our work is open to all self-identified women and adjacent non-binary people who love women, or want to. Late-in-lifers are warmly welcome!) **[For more info or to sign up, visit our retreat page here.](https://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/lesbian-retreat)**[ ](https://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/lesbian-retreat) The Academy is a truly unique LGBTQ space, both online and offline. In a world that sometimes seems to have gone mad, full of disconnection and dysfunction, we create an oasis in our own lives and for the lesbian/queer community. We're the authors of the Amazon bestselling book Conscious Lesbian Dating & Love ([start reading the book for free right here](https://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/book)) and have changed lives in 25 countries. Academy work is based on cutting-edge neuroscience and attachment research, combined with decades of real-life lesbian and queer hard experience. Our teachers and coaches have been through many trainings, including the "school of hard knocks," and we're dedicated to making YOUR journey easier. Together, we shift isolation... into connection. We transmute heartbreak... into healing and empowerment. We help lesbians and queer women create the friendships and love we've always wanted. And in the process, we make life better for all of us :) Learn more at[ www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com ](www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com)\-\- and visit soon if you can\, because annual memberships are on sale for 20% off through December 1\. Wondering if we're the right fit for you?[ Visit our retreat page](https://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/lesbian-retreat) to learn how to schedule a free 1:1 chat with our outreach director so you can get better-acquainted with our program. Do it today, and tomorrow you'll be glad you did :)

This month we’ll look at cantos 25 - 29, with emphasis on Ulysses and Muhammed. These cantos are pretty meaty; major characters include Ulysses, Muhammad, Bertran de Born, and, indirectly, Boniface VIII. What is the sin of the evil counsellors? How do the sinners of canto 27 differ from those of canto 26? What is the significance of the appearance of Guido da Montefeltro? How does Dante step up his attack on the Church? What is the impact of Bertran de Born?

Nancy Huston, Canadienne anglophone, vit à Paris depuis de nombreuses années et compose une oeuvre qu'elle écrit en français ou en anglais et qu'elle traduit elle-même dans l'autre langue. C'est dire si elle connaît de l'intérieur le profond sentiment de trouble qui naît de la situation d'exilé - d'un pays, d'une langue. Nord perdu propose une réflexion, que l'auteur illustre de son expérience et de ses lectures, sur la difficile - et parfois douloureuse - perception de soi à laquelle est confronté tout expatrié: ni enraciné, ni déraciné, multiple à jamais, mais en perpétuelle quête d'identité, à la recherche d'un point de repère, son "Nord perdu".. Douze France est un portrait ludique et amoureux en douze tableaux, des plus sympathiques aux plus agaçants, du pays d'élection de la romancière.

Have a completed manuscript and ready to take the next step? Need to polish up your submission materials? Curious about the submission process for trad publishing? Then you'll want to join our query letter and synopsis workshop. The meeting will run the same way as our usualy Saturday in-person meetups, but we'll be reviewing query letters and synopses instead of actual stories. Feel free to bring in a query letter, a synopsis, or both. Not sure what any of this means? In trad publishing, with few exceptions, publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts (which means you can't submit to them without an agent). But before an agent will even read your full manuscript, they usually ask that you send a query letter, possibly along with a synopsis and sample pages. A query letter is basically a one-page pitch for your book, providing all the relevant stats (genre, age category, word count), a brief summary of the premise meant to entice them into reading more, and a bio. See here for a more detailed breakdown: https://janefriedman.com/query-letters/ A synopsis outlines all the major beats/plot points of your novel, including the ending. They can range anywhere from one page to a few pages (usually on the shorter side), depending on the agent. See here for more details: https://janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis/ We'll start the session with some time for questions and then launch straight into the critique, so come prepared! Listeners are also welcome. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building in the usual writing sprint spot (up the stairs near Teabot). Note: This process only applies to traditional publishing, but all are welcome to attend. If there's enough demand, more of these will be scheduled in the future.

library has over 200 copies in all formats

Hello everyone, Please join us for a fun, interactive and laughter filled ***"group dating game"*** experience. We all bring years of knowledge, wisdom and stories; so together we can support, inspire and share optimal understanding to love, dating and fulfilling relationships. This will be a well organized, interactive and valuable afternoon as we dive deeper into the real meanings of love, romance, intimacy and effective dating. \*We will be joined by my other social groups too so we can anticipate a great afternoon Event Details bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Steve Flemming Presents:** **Love Will Find a Way! (Group Dating Game in the Pub)** -An inspiring, interactive and inviting afternoon as we go deeper into the universal topic of love, dating and intimate relationships \*Let's not take ourselves too seriously either (we're all in this together-so we'll definitely share some laughs too :) \*Invite your friends or come on your own; all is welcome! **About the Organizer/Host** Steve Flemming provides over 19 years of producing community events and group facilitation on personal growth, spirituality and relationships. He looks forward to involving everyone in a safe, fun and inspirational way. We will be sure to experience a wonderful afternoon with great, thoughtful people in a ideal setting for connection and conversation. **Where to Meet us?** **Date: Sunday January 11th, 2026** **Arrive between 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.** **Location: La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor)** **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 \-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars upon arrival (HST included) (Cash only or e transfer when you arrive) **steveflemming11@gmail.com** \-\-\-\- \*Lunch/Dinner & Beverage Menu available too \*Includes reserved seating for the group \*Beverage and/or appetizer minimum to support the staff and venue Remember to tip the hard working servers too) Thank you for your co-operation :) \-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also three minute walk east from Yonge/Eglinton subway station

**BACKGROUND** Whether you are an author, game master, or artist, sometimes, we can get stuck on ideas and rough concepts before fully forming our creations. This is the opportunity to brainstorm these with others. **DETAILS** You can bring in your ideas - including world-building, character details, plot arcs, magic systems, technology, etc. - and brainstorm places where you are stuck. Each participant will be given time to workshop their ideas in a free-form manner, as they see fit. It is not mandatory to bring something to discuss; you can also help others brainstorm and meet like-minded people. Please make sure your RSVPs are honored on the day. **LOCATION** Balzac's Image Arts 122 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X8 (Walking distance from Yonge-Dundas)

**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details. **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near Jimmy the Greek. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Fabulous Ladies - Let's celebrate the New Year by getting together for lunch at Krystos Modern Greek Cuisine! Krystos Modern Greek Cuisine is a popular spot on Dufferin Street in North York, serving authentic Greek dishes with a modern twist. They are known for their flavourful food, generous portions and warm atmosphere, making this a perfect location for our get together! Click to see Menu: https://krystos.ca **SIGN-UP PROCESS** **STEPS:** How Our New Process Works:\* 1. **RSVP to Join Waitlist**
 When you RSVP, you'll be added to our waitlist, which is your way of expressing interest in joining us. 2. **Secure Your Spot**
 E-transfer $5.00 to: fabulousover50@hotmail.com. Include the event name in your message. If your email name differs from your Meetup profile, please let me know. Please note, $5.00 is non refundable or non transferable 3. **Confirmation**
 Once payment is received, I'll move you from the waitlist to "going" - spots are secured in order of payment received. 4. **Event Capacity**
 When maximum capacity is reached, RSVPs will close. Please stay on the waitlist as spots may open due to cancellations. 5. **Manage Your RSVP** If plans change, please remove yourself from the waitlist to allow others the opportunity to join. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **POSITIVE GROUP POLICIES** * **Meet Someone New:** Every meetup is a chance to make a new friend! We encourage everyone to sit with someone different each time. * **Open Seatin**g * Seats are first come, first serve - no saving seats. This helps everyone feel welcome and included. * **Warm Welcome** * If you see someone new or alone, invite them to join your table or conversation. * **Positive Vibes Only** * We celebrate kindness, encouragement, and support in all our interactions. * **Respectful Listening** * Everyone's voice matters. Listen with respect & curiosity. Let's make every meetup a chance to expand our circle of friends. A smile and a hello can make someone's day - let's be that person for each other. Trying something new can be scary - thank-you for being brave and open to meeting new people! We are all here to connect, so let's make sure no one feels left out! Warmest Regards Mirella

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Toronto City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Join us for our January Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *Can't Spell Treason Without Tea* by Rebecca Thorne 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 February Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *A Master of Djinn* by P. Djèlí Clark in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our 2nd meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

**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 January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

Join us for Slow Horses and a Book Exchange! In addition to our usual chat about the book, we’ll be exchanging books. Bring two books you’re willing to part with and we’ll exhange books. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to the thrilling and unnervingly prescient world of the slow horses. This team of MI5 agents is united by one common bond: They've screwed up royally and will do anything to redeem themselves. This special tenth-anniversary deluxe edition of a modern classic includes a foreword by the author, discussion questions for book clubs, and an exclusive short story featuring the slow horses. London, England: Slough House is where washed-up MI5 spies go to while away what's left of their failed careers. The "slow horses," as they're called, have all disgraced themselves in some way to get relegated there. Maybe they botched an Op so badly they can't be trusted anymore. Maybe they got in the way of an ambitious colleague and had the rug yanked out from under them. Maybe they just got too dependent on the bottle-not unusual in this line of work. One thing they have in common, though, is they want to be back in the action. And most of them would do anything to get there-even if it means having to collaborate with one another. When a young man is abducted and his kidnappers threaten to broadcast his beheading live on the Internet, the slow horses see an opportunity to redeem themselves. But is the victim really who he appears to be?