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Bookshop Spotlight: Queer Lit
Queer Lit launched as an online LGBTQ+ bookshop three years ago, and within a year owner Matthew Cornford had moved the shop into a physical space in Manchester. He describes the shop to me as a place where customers can go to “ask the questions that might raise an eyebrow in your average high street bookstore”.
Cornford is the kind of bookseller you would want to ask these questions to, generous with his answers and time. His shop looks tidy, the rows of books neatly organised on the monochromatic, moss-tinted shelves. The books on those shelves represent a spectrum of lived and imagined experiences, “as diverse as a unicorn’s mane”, as Cornford puts it.
Although books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and narratives are found in most bookshops, Cornford says that the true diversity of the “queer journey” is often not represented in major stores. “While we offer an extensive collection of over 4,000 LGBTQ+ titles, locating more than a few of them in your nearby Waterstones can prove to be a challenge,” he told me.
A couple of hundred people will walk through Queer Lit’s doors every day, browsing for books or looking for Pride accessories and clothing. But it’s the weekend that really sees the space come to life. “We’ve become a sought-after destination store,” Cornford says, “drawing folks from all over the north-west, eager to dive into our captivating world of queer literature and unbridled joy”.
Our shop and its community know no bounds, embracing all ages, all genders, and every beautiful facet of the LGBTQ+ tapestry. Here, we encounter brave souls embarking on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to unravel the mysteries of their own sexuality, gender and identity—Queer Lit owner Matthew Cornford
The store, a small space in the heart of Manchester, came to be because Cornford had noticed there was a lack of stores selling a wide range of queer literature. He had been working in HR and employment law, and wanted a new challenge that would bring some vibrancy to his life, while also filling the “literary void” he noticed and felt.
The space he established aims to welcome everyone, giving readers the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the books sold. “Our shop and its community know no bounds, embracing all ages, all genders, and every beautiful facet of the LGBTQ+ tapestry. Here, we encounter brave souls embarking on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to unravel the mysteries of their own sexuality, gender and identity,” he tells me. “We also cross paths with radiant beacons of Pride who have danced beneath the rainbow banner for countless moons.”
Shelf identity
Cornford and the shop’s assistant manager, Lukasz Kasperski, do not pay attention to how the authors of the books on their shelves identify; the focus is on the stories they are telling. “Whenever we stumble upon a gem that we believe radiates the sheer wonders of the queer experience,” the owner says, “you can bet your lucky unicorn horn that it will have a special spot on our shelves.”
The booksellers talk to their customers, and Kasperski, who is described by Cornford as “a true aficionado of all things fantasy and graphic novels”, is more than happy to share his thoughts on what they should be reading. “Beware,” Cornford warns, “for if the words ‘fantasy book’ escape your lips within earshot of Lukasz, prepare yourself for a delightful whirlwind of recommendations. Brace yourself, for he won’t let you leave the store for a solid 30 minutes.”
The goal is to provide the queer community with support as well as books. This is no easy undertaking, given how much—and how urgently—this care is often needed. “We know that there are moments when our community requires support, and it’s our desire to recognise those times and lend a helping hand,” the owner says to me. “We proudly spearhead an array of community-driven projects, but the one that sits dearest in my heart is our Free Books for School initiative.
“In just two years, this programme has donated 3,000 LGBTQ+ books to schools all over the United Kingdom. I grew up under Section 28 and understand how hard it is to go through school with so many unanswered questions about my identity. We hope these books have changed that.”
From the way Cornford talks about the shop, it is abundantly clear that he loves providing his community with books. But the owner does not gloss over how difficult an undertaking this has often been in the past year. “It would be a lie if I didn’t say things are harder than a year ago,” he tells me. “The expenses entwined with operating our bookshop have surged across the board; from the amplified staffing costs and energy expenditures to the escalating rent and postage fees, each aspect has witnessed a noticeable increase.”
However, Cornford explains that the r.r.p.s of books have surprisingly not reflected rising costs, remaining steady. “In our unwavering commitment to fostering accessibility and distinguishing ourselves within the realm of Amazon and other online retailers, we have extended discounts to every title stocked,” he adds. “However, it is imperative to note that this approach may change should the r.r.p. on books fail to align with the escalating expenses essential to sustain our store.”
The past few years have been difficult for everyone, but this has especially been the case for those in the LGBTQ+ and other communities, who have faced the additional, tangible threats of censorship and erasure. In this landscape, Queer Lit has continued to provide readers with books that elicit in them everything from joy and pride to a sense of representation and belonging.
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