Reclaim, learn, resist: Explore LGBTQ History with us

Reclaim, learn, resist: Explore LGBTQ History with us

Are you angry at all the hatred and narrow-mindedness swirling around right now? Same. If you’re tired of seeing LGBTQ+ rights treated as a debate and exhausted by the constant attempts to erase queer people and history, this collection is for you.

Jack has put together a powerful line up of LGBTQ+ history books, now featured front and centre on our website. These books dive deep. Sometimes challenging, sometimes heartbreaking, but always essential. They tell the real stories of queer people throughout history, hidden and revolutionary. Because the truth is, LGBTQ+ people have always existed and fought to thrive. And in a time when reactionary forces are trying to eliminate queer existence, uncovering these stories remains so important today. 

A Bookshop Of One's Own – Jane Cholmeley

A Bookshop of One’s Own is the inspiring true story of Silver Moon, a feminist bookshop founded in Thatcher’s Britain by Jane Cholmeley and her co-founders. In an industry dominated by men and against a backdrop of homophobia and misogyny, they built a thriving business with a mission to champion female writers and create a safe space for all women. Silver Moon became a hub of activism and literary culture. But running a feminist, lesbian-led business came with constant challenges, from financial struggles to hate crimes.

Blending memoir with social history, A Bookshop of One’s Own is a powerful and witty account of resistance, resilience, and the vital role of women in shaping their own stories.

A Lesbian History of Britain – Rebecca Jennings

A Lesbian History of Britain uncovers the lives of queer women in this country across centuries - women who loved, fought, and refused to conform. Jennings explores the rich and varied history of lesbian experiences in Britain, drawing from court records, newspapers, medical reports, novels, and personal accounts. The book begins with 18th-century women who lived as men and traces the evolving narratives of lesbian identity through time. 

A Little Gay History – R.B. Parkinson

What was the first chat-up line between men? Who was the first lesbian? And what exactly did Shakespeare think about cross-dressing? A Little Gay History takes historical objects ranging from ancient Egyptian papyri and the erotic Warren Cup, to images by modern artists including David Hockney and Bhupen Khakhar, to consider questions such as these. Forty artefacts from cultures around the world are explored to consider the study of recognising and appreciating love in art history. It’s a quick but powerful read. 

Have a look on our website and in shop now to grab these must-reads and arm yourself with the knowledge many don't want you to have.

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