Gay the word

'Gay's the Word, to my mind, is the fountainhead of queer literature in Britain. I am deeply grateful that these pioneers fought so hard for our right to tell -- and read -- our own stories.' - - Armistead Maupin

Gay's The Word is the UK's pioneering first (and is today the last surviving) lesbian and gay bookshop. Established in 1979 and located in the historic Bloomsbury district of London, we stock an enormous range of books; from the profound to the frivolous, from the liberating to the indulgent. Our fiction ranges from prize-winning literary works through to crime, romance and erotic fiction. Our non-fiction covers a wide range of issues from cutting-edge queer theory through to how to tell your mother you are gay. Our range of queer philosophical, political, historical and other scholarly works is unequalled in the UK. When we recommend a title, it's because we've read it and particularly enjoyed it. We are proudly independent and very much see ourselves as the friendly and non-judgemental safe-space of the gay scene. We are a straight-friendly gay-family business! We have books on gay subject-matter across all genres and also host free book readings and signings.

Up-Coming Events

Alan Hollinghurst Event 19/07/11
A Stranger's Child
EVENT NOW TOTALLY SOLD OUT 

The Gay’s the Word Alan Hollinghurst Book Event, which will be on Tuesday 19th July at 7pm, in now sold out. But you can still reserve a signed copy by e-mailing sales@gaysthword.co.uk with the words 'signed Hollinghurst' in the subject header. The intimate event - including a reading, question and answer session and book-signing - will celebrate publication of Alan Hollinghurst's eagerly anticipated new novel ‘The Stranger’s Child’.

Please note the venue for the reading is the 'New Bloomsbury Set' basement bar - 30 seconds from GTW. The venue does not have disabled access.

You can pre-register for signed first edition copies of 'A Stranger’s Child' right up to the day of the reading by e-mailing sales@gaystheword.co.uk with the words 'Pre-reserve signed Hollinghurst' in the subject header.

Official book publication date: 01/07/11 - so those wanting a signed copy will have a little wait until 20th July for their copies - Those lucky enough to get tickets for the reading do not need to pre-reserve signed copies.

Gay's the Word Events Diary
The month of August
- A Holiday from Events 

In the month of August Gay's the Word takes an annual break from hosting book events as the bookshop can get a little too hot (well that's the theory at least with the British Summer) when packed out with lots of people to be 100% comfortable. We'll be back soon with details of events planned for later in the year...

How to Get Queer! 

Gay's The Word is located at 66, Marchmont Street in Bloomsbury, London - just a two minute walk from Russell Square Tube Station. Click on the Transport for London link below to plan your journey. 

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