Join us for a deep dive into the wonderful world of queer books with Layla McCay, exploring its history and how and why it's flourishing today.
We are in the middle of a vibrant renaissance of queer writing. But LGBTQ+ writers, characters and readers have been here since the beginning — quietly, defiantly and persistently telling their stories — if you know where to look. The Queer Bookshelf is your guide to this essential queer history, and to its contemporary flourishing. Drawing on the author’s own journey as a queer reader and book club host, and packed with recommendations from authors, booksellers, and book lovers around the world, The Queer Bookshelf is a celebration of the books that have helped generations of LGBTQ+ people find themselves on the page.
From literary fiction to memoir, to crime, fantasy, and young adult, and even cowboy romance, The Queer Bookshelf is a warm, entertaining companion for anyone beginning or deepening their own
queer reading adventure.
LAYLA MCCAY is a passionate reader, host of queer book clubs from the UK to the US and Japan, and acclaimed performance storyteller with The Moth. She can frequently be found on the BBC and features in The Mortified Guide Netflix miniseries about growing up gay. Layla has won numerous awards for her positive impact on LGBTQ+ culture and inclusion, from Attitude 101 to the Rainbow
Honours and Outstanding Executive Role Models. Her book Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ People Can Thrive and Succeed at Work won an Axiom Gold Book Award.
Layla lives with her wife in London.
Event rundown:
6pm: Doors open. There'll be enough unreserved seating for everyone, so come grab one and make yourself comfortable.
6:30pm: We'll begin the conversation.
7.15pm: Open up for audience questions.
7:30pm: Layla will be available to sign copies of her book, the shop will remain open for browsing and chatting.
Juno Books is a very small venue, and we will do our best to meet particular requirements. Accessibility information can be found here.
If you have any accessibility requirements or questions please email us at hello@junobooks.co.uk