Queer Books

📚 **Foyles Bookshop @ charing cross** Forget the mindless scrolling. We’ve been "reading" people since we were born, but the art of getting lost in a book is becoming a lost skill. Since I started reading more, I’ve become a sharper listener and a better communicator. It’s time to reignite that focus. We’re heading to **Foyles** on Charing Cross Road—five floors of pure inspiration—to hang out, browse, and actually talk about things that matter. This isn't just a social; it's about building a better self and a stronger community. **The Game Plan:** We’ll grab a coffee (or snack) and dive into one of these four topics: 1. **Smart Money:** Not a "who earns what" brag-fest. Just real tips and tricks on how to save and stay ahead in the expensive UK. 2. **Class vs. Trends:** How do you stay timeless and "classy" when everyone else is just chasing the latest 24-hour trend? 3. **The Good Stuff:** What are you reading? Bring a fiction or non-fiction recommendation that actually made an impact on you. 4. **Hidden UK:** Where are the best places to travel in the UK when you need to get out of the London bubble? **Vibe:** Productive, intentional, and relaxed. We will meet up at Soho Square Garden, Sutton Row entrance. Have quick introductions. And then walk(3 mins) to Foyles. **Location:** Foyles Bookshop, 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT

📚 Reading of Colour – Book Club Meetup Join us for this month’s Reading of Colour, a book club dedicated to exploring stories from different cultures and celebrating the diversity of voices in literature. Each month we read a book by an author from a different background and come together to share perspectives, insights, and thoughtful discussion. This month we will be reading The Enlightenment of the Greengage tree by Shokoofeh Azar is a magical realist novel about a family fleeing persecution after the Iranian Revolution and trying to rebuild their lives in a remote Iranian village, narrated by the ghost of a young girl. Whether you’ve finished the book or are still making your way through it, everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Come along to share your thoughts, hear new perspectives, and enjoy a friendly discussion with fellow readers. 📖 All are welcome—bring your curiosity and love of books!📕 We will be having drinks afterwards at a near by pub, come along 🌸

Visible. Connected. Moving. ✨ Lesbian Visibility Week Celebration 2026 Saturday 25 April 2026 The Ministry, London We’re gathering again. Join us forr this event where we partner with LBTQWOMEN and other great groups. An afternoon of connections and an evenings of dancing with Mint. https://www.lbtqwomen.com/lesbian-visibility-week-2026-london/ For connection 🤝 For conversation 💬 For community 🌍 Join us for the Lesbian Visibility Week Celebration 2026 — a full day bringing lesbian and queer women together from across the UK and beyond. This isn’t a conference. It’s not a corporate networking event. It’s a space to show up, reconnect, discover new businesses, hear honest conversations, and build real momentum together 💥 From early afternoon into the evening, we gather at The Ministry — and then continue straight into the Mint after-party in the same venue 🎉 No venue change. No drop in energy. What to Expect 🔥 Curated Marketplace 🛍️ A selection of businesses run and led by lesbian and queer women. Come discover, try, support, and connect directly with founders and creators. Talks & Conversations 🎤 Panels that spark ideas, share lived experience, and move the conversation forward. No buzzwords. Just real dialogue. Connection 🤍 Space to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen our community across cities and borders. After-Party 🎶 The celebration continues in the evening with the official after-party hosted by Mint Events, led by Nikki Chubbs — all in the same venue. Get your after-party ticket here 👉🏽 Mint Events https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lwiredevents/2094089 Sanura Dance will be bringing movement into the space across the day 💃

Der verzweifelte Kampf um Integration Aus der Rückschau des Jahres 1959 erzählt Pilenz vom bewunderten und verachteten Klassenkameraden Mahlke im Danzig der Kriegszeit, den sein übergroßer Adamsapfel zum Außenseiter macht. Mahlke führt einen verzweifelten Kampf um seine Integration, um die Schließung des existentiellen Risses zwischen »Katz« und »Maus«, und wird doch im Sieg endgültig scheitern. Auch das Ritterkreuz, von dem er sich - Perversion der Zeit gemäß - Erlösung durch Bedeckung seiner Blöße erhofft, verhilft ihm nicht zum Frieden mit der Welt. »Die große Danzig-Saga, als deren zweites, aber gewiß nicht letztes Stück ›Katz und Maus‹ sich darstellt, ist eine Suche nach dem verlorenen Raum. Unerreichbar und unerschöpflich, doch deutlich wie Vineta in der Flut, liegt Danzig auf dem Grund dieser Prosa da.« Hans Magnus Enzensberger

Calling all Queer singers, songwriters, poets, public speakers, and performers... Join Queer Open Mic London at legendary venue [The Cock Tavern](https://www.thecocktavernlondon.com/) for a night of artistic expression from the LGBTQIA+ community. **If you'd like to perform please get in touch with Josh (co-organiser) beforehand to secure your slot. You can click on his profile to message him, give him a shout in the event chat on this page, or contact him [on Instagram](www.instagram.com/joshandthejumpstarts/).** This event is designed as an informal showcase for Queer performers. Non-Queer friends and allies are more than welcome in the audience. **Sunday 26th April, 2026** **5:30pm-8:30pm** **The Cock Tavern** 340 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD Local buses within minutes of the venue include 3, 59, 133, 155, 159, 196, 333, and 415. Oval Underground station is 8 minutes walking away while Kennington Underground station is 10 minutes walking. Vauxhall station is 14 minutes walking from the venue, or a short bus ride. *Queer Open Mic is a free entry event and you can support the event and the venue by purchasing drinks at the bar. Absolutely no outside drinks are permitted.*

Lez Meet will be hosting a meet up at the Official Lesbian Visibility Week Closing Party with Mint — **Use promo code LEZMEETLVW26 for 10% off tickets.** **ticket Link: [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lwiredevents/2094089](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lwiredevents/2094089)** Join us on **Saturday 25 April at the The Ministry Members Club** for a full-scale celebration of queer joy, connection and community. Lez Meet will have a dedicated area on the night — perfect for arriving solo or with friends and instantly feeling part of it. **What to expect:** ✨ 2 dance rooms ✨ Heated terrace ✨ Lounge & chill-out spaces 🍕 Wood-fired pizza (first come, first served) 🍸 Cocktails, beer on tap & drinks

A safe, supportive space to explore touch, connection and sensuality with peers. **What you’ll get** * **Playful, erotic, shame‑free bonding** in a heart‑centered, sober environment. * **Hands‑on massage & intimacy skills** you can bring to partners, lovers, and the wider gay community. * **Paired & group activities** (including nudity and genital touch) that teach consent, touch negotiation and clear communication. * **Erotic mindfulness** – slow foreplay, breathwork and energy practices that revitalize sexual energy without rushing to orgasm. * **Confidence to ask for and set boundaries** with ease, building presence‑based intimacy rather than performance‑based pressure. **Who’s welcome** * Single gay men or couples open to working with a diverse group. * No prior massage or Tantra experience required – beginners are warmly invited. **Event details** * **Date & time:** Saturday 25th April, 2:00 – 7:30 pm (doors 1:45 pm) * **Location:** Canary Wharf, London (nearest tube: Jubilee/Elizabeth line, 15‑min walk; DLR East India, 8‑min walk) * **Facilitator:** **Nick Kientsch** – trauma‑informed practitioner, 20+ years massage, former Buddhist monk with Tibetan & Neo‑Tantra training. * **Tickets:** £69 \(full price\) \| £39 \(students/unwaged\) – *reserve now* **Why attend?** * Learn practical, embodied techniques to deepen connection with other men. * Join a caring, queer‑affirming community where you can be nervous, curious or “stuck” without judgment. * Walk away with a toolkit for sensual foreplay, breath‑based energy work and confident consent‑talk. **What past participants say** * “Nick creates a safe and positive space for exploring human connection through touch. I felt uplifted, seen, and valued.” * “A glorious affirmation of our bodies and sexuality – gentle, open, and encouraging.” – Chris * “I left feeling blissful and connected to myself and others.” – Sam *We usually host 10‑14 men per workshop. To secure your place please click the link below - a Meetup RSVP does not book you on.* 👉 **Reserve your spot** – [click here](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds#focus=ev-s874a-20260425140000) 📹 **Watch a short video overview** – [click here](https://youtu.be/Nd9ysbH-TL4?si=xXX9TdjgsvfLQ_H7)

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

We're meeting at 5pm local to read from and discuss Normal People by Sally Rooney. Read what you can beforehand and bring your thoughts, favorite moments, and questions. New members are very welcome.

**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!**

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.