Queer Bookshops in California
The LGBTQ+ community members in the United States are explicitly protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to public accommodations. Though they face challenges like in many societies they still exist in a country where there is some level of acceptance. However, the discrimination is such that you can find books dedicated to this community in many regular bookshops so you need a guide on where you can get such books to read. Here’s a list of popular queer bookshops in California.
Fabulosa Books
Fabulous Books is another very popular queer bookshop in Arizona. This store in The Castro specialises in LGBTQ+ books, but also includes sections for other genres such as science & nature writing, ethnic studies, witchcraft, poetry, progressive politics, history, cookbooks, sci-fi, and all types of literature. The store hosts a lot of events supportive of the LGBTQ+ society. This includes an LGBTQ+ book club and they also send LGBTQ+ books to groups in states that ban them, making sure people still have access to those materials.
Location: 489 Castro St,
San Francisco
CA
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
A Seat at the Table
This is a family-owned bookstore that is not solely focussed on queer books. It includes a cafe and community space and it is queer-owned. The It’s for many under served sections of the community. The store was founded by Emily Autenrieth (ey/em) in January 2020 and initially run as a pop-up, before moving into a physical shop in 2021. They also have regular events and there is a quiet room for neurodivergent and nursing people to enjoy a sensory break, and a camping-themed play area.
Location: 9257 Laguna Springs Dr, Suite 130
Elk Grove,
CA 95758
https://aseatatthetablebooks.org/
The Salt Eaters Bookshop
The Salt Eaters Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Inglewood which focuses on books, comics, and zines by and about Black women, girls, femmes, and gender expansive people. Inspired by The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara, the shop is making efforts to create a relaxation ground for everyone. The shop also has a lively events programme and merch.
Location: 302 East Queen Street
Inglewood, CA 90301
https://www.thesalteatersbooks.com
The Ripped Bodice
The Ripped Bodice is pays great attention to the celebration of romance novels. The store is proudly woman and queer owned and features a vast and diverse selection of romance fiction which is the fastest growing aspect of LGBTQ+ literature. The store also has events most evenings, from various book club meets to author signings.
Location: 3806 Main St.
Culver City, CA 90232
https://www.therippedbodicela.com
The Lavender Library
The Lavender Library is a volunteer-run LGBTQ+ library and community space which offers a range of books, films, zines and a large research archive. They also have a full schedule of events, including support groups, book club meets, open mic nights, and community events. The Lavender Library, Archives, and Cultural Exchange, or LLACE is an amazing place that has a lot resource supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
Location: 1414 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
https://www.lavenderlibrary.com
