Book Swap

## **A Queer Book Club Exploring Gender, Politics, and Power** Join us this April for our Queer Book Club at Villa Vida Café as we dive into *Who’s Afraid of Gender?* by Judith Butler — one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary gender theory. In this session, we’ll unpack Butler’s latest work, which examines how “gender” has become a political flashpoint across the world. The book explores how anti-gender movements operate, what’s at stake, and how language, fear, and power shape public discourse. This is a space for collective reading, critical thinking, and community exchange. No academic background needed—just curiosity and openness. *** ## **About the Book** *Who’s Afraid of Gender?* looks at the global backlash against gender theory and LGBTQIA+ rights. Butler analyzes how gender has been framed as a threat in political rhetoric, and what this reveals about broader struggles over democracy, freedom, and identity. Expect themes like: * Anti-gender movements and moral panic * The politics of language and framing * Queer and trans resistance * Power, fear, and ideology *** ## **Event Details** * **Date:** Sunday, April 12, 2026 * **Time:** 14:00 * **Location:** Villa Vida Café * **Room:** Main Café Space * **Language:** English (German possible if needed) *** ## **What to Expect** * Guided but open discussion * Space to share reflections or just listen * Community-focused and low-pressure atmosphere * Mixed group: regulars + new faces always welcome You don’t have to finish the book to join—but it helps. *** ## **Accessibility & Community Care** * Step-free access available * Accessible toilet * This is a queer-centered, respectful space * No tolerance for discriminatory behavior *** ## **Collaboration** **The Queer Book Club is hosted In collaboration with** [o*books](http://o-book.at/) & [hint.wien](http://hint.wien/). Once you’ve joined, you can order the books to read at a discounted rate at o\*books.

This is a group for meeting new people, eating brunch, and having discussions about science, life, philosophy, politics, and people. Anybody is free to join, and we charge no fees. This discussion group aims to have the absolute minimal level of structure necessary to ensure the conversation remains engaging to the majority of people present. In particular, we \*don't\* have fixed order of speaking or timed statements. So far, the balance we've struck is enforcing hand raising when conversation gets intense in order to minimize interruption, and to give the chair (me!) the power to occasionally call a snap election on the conversation topic.

Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00! A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer—regardless of genre or skill level—has access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals." And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problem—just find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writing—anything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on. Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the café (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!

Hi All, Join us for the museum visit. Due to a high demand, please reserve a time slot 12.04 at 13:00 to be able to enter the exhibition - via the link: - [https://shop.khm.at/tickets/canaletto-bellotto](https://shop.khm.at/tickets/canaletto-bellotto) The exhibition shows **two artists, three cities, and three perspectives**. We explore paintings of **Venice, London, and Vienna** side by side. These artworks show how cities looked in the 18th century and how people lived there. Afterwards we can have best **coffee in Vienna** at the stunning **La Cupola Café** inside the museum. Set in a former Imperial Palace, the interiors are truly fit for royalty. ☕️ 📍 **Meeting point:** Outside at the stairs in front of Kunsthistorisches Museum. You’ll spot me with a "The Live Club" flag. Follow us on Instagram: [The Live Club](https://www.instagram.com/the_live_club?igsh=amc4YnVrZHc5MGxk) and [Telegram](https://t.me/TheLiveClub) Can’t wait to see you there! 😊 KR, Yulia

**Note:** Kindly bring cash for any food/drinks purchases under 20 Eur, as the restaurant/cafe accepts card payments only for purchases above 20 Eur. This is a **free** event. Are you ready to practise your language skills? If you want to meet new friends (or the same friends you met at our other events) and practice all the languages you can speak, join us for a fun-filled evening! During this event, you have the chance to choose a Group and talk to people in: 1. **English** 2. **German** 3. **Italian** 4. **Spanish** 5. **French** Our most important rule: Please be respectful to others at all times. Yes, there will be a separate beginners' Group if you aren't fluent in the language yet! It is also a great place to find Tandem Partners for the languages you want to improve in! Get in touch with the Host upon your arrival and he/she will assist you. 🟢📱 here is our WhatsApp link https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtZ1TQB7lnUAJXK5NxwPQU Hope to see you there!!!

A slow Sunday, shared over beautiful food and meaningful conversations. This time, we’re meeting for a cozy lunch at Salt & Honey — a place known for its warm atmosphere and delicious, feel-good dishes. This gathering is about connection over perfection. No pressure, no expectations — just a space to come as you are, meet inspiring women, and enjoy a gentle, nourishing Sunday together. What to expect: – A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere – Easy, natural conversations – A small & intimate group – Delicious lunch & drinks (paid individually) Whether you’re new to Vienna, new to the circle, or already part of the community — you are so welcome here 🤍

⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Speed Friending in Vienna! Age 35-49 Please read the description attentively: Our next event is coming soon! Price is 10€ and order a drink ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. How it works: • You’ll have a short conversations with different people. • After each round, you’ll switch to meet someone new. • You’ll note who you liked, and if there’s a match, we’ll connect you after the event. ‍‍ You are welcome)! Register today)✨ Join us on Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

Du sprichst schon gut Deutsch (B2–C1) und möchtest einfach öfter reden? Dann bist du hier genau richtig. Wir treffen uns in kleinen Gruppen in gemütlichen Wiener Cafés und plaudern entspannt über alles, was uns gerade interessiert, oder über ein vorher vereinbartes Thema. Auch Muttersprachler:innen sind herzlich willkommen. Die kleine Runde ist bewusst gewählt: So hören wir einander gut und kommen leichter ins Gespräch. 👉 **Ein paar Infos, damit alles gut läuft:** – Bitte verwende deinen echten Vornamen und ein Profilfoto. – Melde dich nur an, wenn du wirklich kommen kannst. – Falls etwas dazwischenkommt, sag bitte rechtzeitig ab. – Die **genaue Location** wird am Vorabend des Treffens an die bestätigten Teilnehmer:innen kommuniziert und in den Kommentaren sichtbar sein. – Wer ohne Absage nicht erscheint, kann leider nicht in der Gruppe bleiben. Wir möchten die Treffen zuverlässig und angenehm für alle halten. Ich freue mich auf entspannte Gespräche und eine nette, motivierte Runde! 😊

⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Speed Friending in Vienna! Age 20-29/30-39. Please read the description attentively: Our next event is coming soon! Price for boys is 10€ and order a drink It is for free for girls ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. How it works: • You’ll have a short conversations with different people. • After each round, you’ll switch to meet someone new. • You’ll note who you liked, and if there’s a match, we’ll connect you after the event. ‍‍ Age groups: The main groups are for ages 20-29 and 30-39 You are welcome)! Register today)✨ Join us on Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

**Hey everybody!** Do you want to code together, share your projects, or just hang out in a creative atmosphere? Then join us at the **Coding Club @ Jo&Joe Hostel**! We usually start with a short introduction round so everyone can get to know each other. After that, you can: * share your achievements or pet projects (informal, just at the table) * get feedback or inspiration from others * or simply work on your own project alongside the group Bring your laptop (or any device you like to code on) if you want to actively work. Or just come by to connect and get inspired. Please try to be on time so we can kick things off together. Looking forward to seeing you there! 🚀

we play on two courts with 8-10 players. open for all Levels **Price** * 17-20 € for 2h depending on number of players * I usually have additional rackets available if you need one. * You can pay via Revolut, PayPal, instant Bank Transfer or Cash. I prefer transfer over cash. **Equipment** * I provide balls (usually Bullpadel Next) **Cancellation** * Please cancel at least 10h before the event, to give people on the wait list the chance to jump in. Otherwise a late cancellation fee of 10 € must be paid. * Cancel at least 26h before the event in case the wait list is empty. Otherwise a late cancellation fee will be charged * Late Cancellation fees will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières (Ärzte ohne Grenzen). * I understand that sometimes unexpected things can come up. However, not showing up and failing to let me know is considered disrespectful and goes against the community spirit. People doing uncommented no-shows have to pay the full event fee. **Important** * Playing competitive is allowed (Smashing balls, hitting balls close to opponent player etc.) * We still value fair play and sportsmanship. * Having fun together is way more important as winning. **Other information** * We are respectful and warm with each other. Our cultural and professional background is diverse * The host or regular players can ask misbehaving players to step out from the court * The venue has changing rooms and showers free of charge (for the lockers you have to bring your own padlock) * If you have questions, you can send me a message any time. I speak german too.

Spring is back! You are invited to hike with us on **Sunday, April 12**, in the quiet hills around Vienna, starting together at 13:00 from Hütteldorf U4 U-Bahn/S-Bahn station and reaching the Jubiläumswarte on foot at around 450 mt altitude. The exact **meeting point** is just outside the station door facing the bus stops (you'll have the Anker bakery on your left when you exit through that door). A funny pug named Uschi will probably join us. We'll reach the Stadtwanderweg number 4 together and then we'll follow that hiking path entirely. We'll do a 30-minute stop near the observation tower on the top of the hill, where you can eat your fruits and snacks, and we plan to be back at the Hütteldorf station at 17:00. Please bring 1 liter of water and wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. The hike is not long, but it is moderately difficult. We might sit in the meadow for a while if the weather allows it, so bringing a blanket could also be useful. IMPORTANT: This is not a guided hike, but simply a chance to experience nature around Vienna together, so everyone is responsible for their own health and safety. If you need more information, please ask in the comments below.

A perfect spring day — move your body, then feast your senses! We’re combining an outdoor yoga session in the park with a group visit to the Easter & Spring Market at Schloss Schönbrunn. Both parts are optional, join one or both! 🌸 ***Please read the full event description*** 🗓 **The Plan** **Part 1 — Outdoor Yoga** \| 11:30 AM \(\~1 hour\) A breath-led flow in Auer-Welsbach Park, open to all levels. Gentle movement, mindful stretching, and great company outdoors. 🎒 **What to Bring**: ∙ Yoga mat ∙ Comfortable, stretchy clothes ∙ Water bottle 💛 **Energy Exchange**: Pay what feels right for Yoga (suggested €10–€20) **Part 2 — Easter Market at Schönbrunn** \| \~12:45 PM After yoga, we walk over together and go to the Easter market. There are many things to enjoy: 🎯 Mini Golf ♟️ Giant Chess 🎵 Live Music 🍽️ Food & Drinks 🛍️ Crafts & Easter goods Plan is 1–2 hours, but stay as long as you like — market runs until 7 PM! 📍 **Yoga Location** Auer-Welsbach Park, near U4 Grünbergasse exit Exit U4, turn left, cross the street. Walk \~100m into the park — find us on the right on the grass. If you are joining late for Easter Market, we will share the live location :) 💬 **WhatsApp for updates**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JbCZPIUQrCv6lhd00M0oXI See you there! 🌷

Human Design isn’t just theory, it’s a map back to your natural way of operating. Stop pushing against the grain and start living in alignment. This 2 hour long interactive workshop is designed to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “doing.” We’re skipping surface-level small talk to explore the deeper layers of human nature. Whether you’re completely new to Human Design or already familiar with it, you’ll find a supportive, English-speaking community ready to help you trade resistance for flow. *** ## The Agenda During this session, we will explore: * **The Origin of Human Design** – Where it comes from and how this system was created * **What Human Design Is** – The foundations of the system and how it works * **The Human Design Types** – Understanding the different energy types and how they move through life And to make things interactive and fun: 🎟 **Human Design Lottery** At the end of the workshop, 1–2 participants will be selected to receive a **live mini chart reading**. After the workshop, we’ll open the space for **networking**, connection, and deeper conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. *** ## Your Toolkit * **Your Stats:** Birth date, exact time, and location * **A Notebook:** For those “aha!” moments you’ll want to remember * **The Vibe:** An open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity *** ## Investment €15 per person Early Bird: €10 *** ## The Venue & After-Vibes We’re gathering at **Zoku Vienna**, a creative hub in the heart of the city. Since it’s Wednesday, Zoku features live music in the evening. You’re warmly invited to stay after the workshop, enjoy the tunes, and connect with the community in a relaxed atmosphere. *** ## A Note on Attendance Please only sign up if you are certain you can attend. We coordinate seating directly with the venue based on our numbers, so an accurate headcount is essential to ensure we have the perfect space for everyone.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * 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! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

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! 📖

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!