Queer Books

Looking to meet other queer people in a relaxed, friendly setting? Queer Social is a weekly, low-pressure meetup where you can come as you are, have real conversations, and feel part of a community. No cliques, no pressure, no need to perform. Most people come alone Hosts will introduce you to others Friendly, calm atmosphere (not a party or dating event) 🕖 Monday at 7pm 📍 Two Brewers, Clapham If you’re feeling nervous message us on Instagram or join the conversation on WhatsApp. Just bring yourself. Even showing up is enough. Insta: london_queer_social WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/BYcge9chGy37pS7mhJxAKM

*A haunting, heartbreaking post-apocalyptic tale of female friendship and intimacy set in a deserted world, written by Belgian author Jacqueline Harpman.* If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds. General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point. The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection [https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ ](https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/)\- they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from [https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/](https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/) ..! **COVID-19 safety measures** This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus.

This isn’t a typical book club. It’s a space to explore real questions about life, meaning, and the Bible—together. Bring your questions, your doubts, or just your curiosity. You don’t need to believe anything to belong here. Make up your own mind. Most people have thoughts about the Bible… But rarely get the chance to explore it honestly. Here, you can ask: • What do I actually believe? • Does any of this still matter today? • Is there more to this than I thought? What to expect: We meet for two hours at a time. Our reading list includes books from the Bible — as well as some of the books that didn’t make it into most Bibles. The Bible has shaped culture, law, art and ethics for centuries, yet many people are personally unfamiliar with it. Each evening is structured but informal. The group chooses the book or books to read, and discussion takes place in small groups. No lectures. No pressure. No need to prepare anything in advance. The aim is thoughtful, respectful conversation. Plenty of people feel they know quite a bit about the Bible, yet struggle to read it. This is a space to explore it thoughtfully and honestly — in good company. This club is for: • Curious thinkers • Skeptics • Christians with questions • Anyone who wants to make up their own mind Our only rules? Be curious. Be honest. Be kind. And enjoy yourself. It’s also a chance to find a bit of community along the way. Photos may be taken during the evening to share on the Meetup page or social media to help others see what the group is like. If you prefer not to appear in photos, just let the organiser know at any time. We meet in a private room on the second floor of the Duke of Sussex pub. When you arrive, get yourself a drink, ask for The Book Club, and come on up.

Join us to discuss "The Invisible Wall" by Harry Bernstein. We will be in the function room (please ask at the bar if you can’t find us) Please arrive from 6.30pm and order any food or drink for a 7pm start. Your first meet up is free and then it is £1.50 to cover Meet Up's costs. You are welcome to bring suggestions for July (we vote 2 months in advance) 😊

This month we will be reading/discussing ***[The Measure - Nikki Erlick](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58884736-the-measure?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_11)***. If you have not read the book, you are more than welcome to join. Be aware, there will be spoilers! 18:30 - 18:45 - Meet, get drinks, get settled (at the back and upstairs) 18:45 - 19:45 - Discuss the book 19:45 onwards - pick book for next meet and socialize **The Venue: [Shinner and Sudtone](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/)**[ ](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/) A lovely little pub with a variety of craft beer. Usually quiet on a Monday and we get the upstairs area. They serve food and dogs are most welcome. **The Book:** ***[The Measure - Nikki Erlick](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58884736-the-measure?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_11)*** Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice. It seems like any other day. You wake up, drink a cup of coffee, and head out. But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. The contents of this mysterious box tells you the exact number of years you will live. From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise? As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge? The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything.

We're hosting our regular peer support group for lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer and questioning women. We look forward to welcoming you if you can make it. Our attendees are a diverse mix of women and are friendly, non-judgmental and inclusive of new people. During the session we talk over topics by sharing our own experience. We cover any topics our attendees would like to raise (we write them down anonymously at the start of the session) they might be things like "how do I find queer friends?" , "managing the holiday season with an unsupportive family", "coming out at work", "bi invisibility" , "internalised homophobia" , "lgbt book recommendations?", "any dating app recommendations?". The session is facilitated by volunteers from the charity London Friend. Our group meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. We don't meet on bank holidays, so in May 2026 we'll only be meeting once, on the 11th May, then we'll meet again on 8th June. We're aware it can sometimes be intimidating to join a group like this for the first time, so please reach out to our friendly volunteers if you'd like more information. We can be contacted via Meetup or by emailing changes@londonfriend.org.uk. If you'd like to join and listen without participating further that's ok too. MeetUp is one of the many platforms where people can find this event, and so the number of meetup RSVP's doesn't match the actual number of attendees. If you'd like to join without RSVPing on Meetup you can simply turn up 7pm at the London Friend location.

May's Book; Alan Hollinghurst - Our Evenings A fresh, intentional space for readers in East London who take their fiction seriously. We aren't a social mixer that happens to have a book in the background; we are a dedicated circle of six readers who meet once a month to dissect, debate, and celebrate high-quality literature. Why Only Six? We believe the best literary analysis happens when everyone has a seat at the head of the table. By strictly limiting our meetups to 6 people, we ensure: No one is talked over. The conversation stays focused and nuanced. An intimate environment where we can truly get to the heart of the text. The Reading List Our focus is strictly fiction only. We explore the boundaries of the craft, focusing on: Contemporary Literary Fiction (The Booker, International Booker, and beyond). Modern Classics that deserve a second look. Translated Works that offer a different lens on the world. How We Work When: Once a month on a Sunday Where: Carefully selected, quiet spots across East London—from Hackney to Bow—where the atmosphere suits a serious conversation. The Commitment: Because spaces are so limited, we ask that you only RSVP if you are certain you can attend and have finished the book. We dive straight into spoilers and structural analysis from minute one. If you cannot attend, pleaae cancel 24 hours before hand to allow someone else to attend

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for March is **Project Hail Mary** by **Andy Weir**. A lone astronaut. An impossible mission. An ally he never imagined. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it's up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery-and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he's got to do it all alone. Or does he? Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

🎮 *What’s the vibe?* A relaxed, social night built around games — but really, it’s all about meeting people and having a good time. The games are easy, casual, and low-pressure (nothing too serious), so come along even if you just want to chat and soak up the atmosphere. This event is open to everyone under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella and allies 🏳️‍🌈 Expect a fun mix of board games, video games, and arcade machines. 🎲 *Board Games* We’ve got a selection of fun, easy-to-learn board and card games ready to go. Feel free to bring your own favourites along too! 🕹️ *Video Games* We bring consoles loaded with classic multiplayer games — think Mario Kart, Tekken, Smash Bros and more. ✨ **How to attend** From 6:30pm, just arrive and grab a name tag from the table (self-service). There’ll be a host around — often just me running things — so if you’re new or unsure, come say hi and I’ll happily introduce you to people. 🎉 *How it works* Find a spot, join a game, and get involved — it’s that simple. All games have instructions, so no stress if you’ve never played before. Drinks and arcade tokens are available at the bar. All video games in our area are free to play. 📍 *Location* Four Quarters Elephant Park 20 Ash Ave, London SE17 1GQ ⏰ Time 6:30pm onwards (venue closes at 11pm) 🍔 Food The venue doesn’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring your own or order in. 💛 How to be a great gaymer • See someone on their own? Invite them to join • Notice someone new? Bring them into the conversation • Be respectful of the games — we’re donation-run, so please return everything as you found it 📲 Stay connected Please RSVP if you’re coming and join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYxo1GonGIbIvLlS6CpG8S⁠� If the link doesn’t work, drop Mark a message or leave a comment. 💸 Donations All events are free, but there are real costs behind running the group. If you can, please consider making a yearly donation to help keep things going and growing. Name: Mark Geer Account number: 03450947 Sort code: 04-00-04 Reference: donate Thank you so much for your support 🙏

**[Everything I Never Told You](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693763-everything-i-never-told-you) by Celeste Ng (292 pages)** *Genre: Literary Fiction, Family Drama, Mystery* **Summary:** Lydia is the favorite child of the Lee family, and her parents are determined she will fulfill the dreams they could never reach. But when Lydia’s body is found in a nearby lake, the fragile balance of their family shatters. As the truth of her life and death slowly unfolds, each family member is forced to confront long-held secrets, unspoken expectations, and the weight of silence. Celeste Ng’s stunning debut is a moving exploration of identity, family pressures, and the invisible ties that bind us together. ***Trigger Warning:*** *This book contains themes of racism, sexism, parental pressure, and grief. Please take care while reading.* *** **Join Our Book Club Bingo! 📚💔** For our May pick, we’re diving into an intimate and heart-wrenching family story that blends mystery with emotional depth — with a side of Book Club Bingo, of course! **How It Works:** 🎲 Grab Your Bingo Card: We’ll give you a custom card with prompts and themes from the book. ✅ Mark Your Cards: Tick off squares during our discussion. 🎉 Shout “Bingo!”: First to complete 2 rows, columns, or diagonals wins. 🎁 Win a Book: Two lucky winners will go home with a new read! Expect a night of thoughtful discussion on family expectations, cultural identity, love, loss, and the things we leave unsaid. Come ready to share your reflections and reactions. 📍 *The Dog & Bull (in Surrey Street) in Croydon* 📅 *13th of May 2026 (Wednesday) at 7:00 PM* Are you ready to uncover *everything they never told you*? 🌊📖

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.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. 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.

It's official, submissions for "Resistance, Resilience, Utopia" are are on their way from being independent pieces to becoming the second volume of gINKgo. This year we are going to have a launch party at Birdie Books on May 15th from 6-8pm open to the whole community! Come on over and help us support the creators with food, drinks, art, writing, open mic, music, community activities and more.

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!