8 months ago
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Britain's landmark independent LGBTQ+ bookshop in Bloomsbury
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Vibe
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Gay's The Word is a London LGBTQ+ landmark and one of the world's best-known independent queer bookshops. Opened in Bloomsbury in 1979, it became a crucial place to find lesbian and gay writing when mainstream bookshops offered little—and a meeting place for activists, readers and community groups. Today the shelves cover LGBTQ+ fiction, memoir, politics, history, poetry, children's books, graphic novels and more, with knowledgeable booksellers who can help you navigate both classics and new releases. The shop's role in Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners reached a wider audience through the film Pride, but its living community role matters as much as its history. Drop in to browse, discover a new writer or attend an author event. The shop is compact, so check its current calendar and opening hours before travelling for something specific.
Expect a small, welcoming and densely stocked bookshop where the team know queer literature deeply. Events can make the space particularly busy.
Practical tips before you visit
Gay's The Word
66 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AB, UK
Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.
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