Queer Lit (Social Refuge)

Social Refuge on Great Ancoats Street has been the new home of iconic bookshop Queer Lit since early October, and with a coffee shop, co-working and event space, it is more than just a bookstore. This exciting addition to the city’s cultural landscape aims to provide a vibrant new home for the LGBTQ+ community and a dynamic hub that fosters creativity, connection, and empowerment. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll experience a welcoming atmosphere that embraces the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Social Refuge space sees Queer Lit in its third incarnation, having started as an online shop, then moving to a real life bricks and mortar physical presence just on the perimeter of Northern Quarter on Ancoats Street.

Finding shops that have dedicated areas for Queer literature or knowing the places to look for excellent new Queer authors can be hard. With a lack of shops stocking specifically queer writing and websites not bothering to create areas for it, Queer Lit steps up and fills that gap. Their displays often reflect particular milestones in the LGBTQIA+ calendar, giving a platform to authors and thinkers who may not receive as much attention in mainstream bookshops.

As the longest running LGBTQIA+ bookshop in Manchester, Queer Lit started with 700 books and dedication to making Queer literature easy to access and discover. They now stock over 2,000 titles, among them hard hitting non fiction writing that tackles the grey areas of Queer politics, through to disarmingly charming children’s story books that explore everything family can be in today’s world.

Now intertwined with Social Refuge’s relaxing café and perfect remote working space, Queer Lit offers visitors a chance to browse the shelves for their next find. When found, why not grab a coffee, sit down and dive right in. They also host regular events in their downstairs seating area and event space. There is always something to be getting involved in, writing groups, book clubs, Quiz nights and Queer Poetry. They post all about it on their Instagram so head over there if you are intrigued.

Queer Lit are always looking for new writers who aren’t receiving the attention they deserve. If you know a title that they aren’t currently stocking but deserves to be on their shelves, then get in touch via the Queer Lit website.

The shop is also just round the corner from Chapter 1 and UNITOM, if you feel like doing a bit of a bookshop tour!