Unarguably one of the standout additions to the bustling and thriving Northern Quarter thoroughfare of Tib Street in recent years, Queer Lit has organically grown from a small but ambitious and expertly curated online store to brick and mortar heaven on Earth for lovers of all books on LGBTQ+ themes and issues, spanning literature, non-fiction, poetry and so much more besides.
At any one time, you’ll find well over 2,000 titles waiting to be pored over, not to mention a large selection of cards and gift ideas, from clothing to rainbow banners and pronoun pins.
Once through the door of Queer Lit, customers will find a clean fresh interior, the elegant green shelves awash with colourful covers and striking design prints on the walls. Beyond the physical space itself, 2021’s Best New Business winner at the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards has significantly developed its digital arm, too, hosting an extensive catalogue available for web orders, and publishing a constant stream of blogs, creative writing and reviews of new releases. It’s also worth noting its role in politics and campaign work, with endeavours including sending copies of publications on trans history to more than 300 British MPs in a bid to improve visibility and garner more support for an often marginalised group by educating people on the circumstances, actions and situations that have helped to shape the UK community we see today. They donate around 100 LGBTQ+ books each month to schools across the UK, as part of their programme ‘Free Books For Schools’ and run a pay it forward scheme in the shop, where customers can donate money for future customers.
An invaluable addition to Manchester’s world famous queer scene, open to everyone, and we recommend everyone pays a visit to.