Publisher Pride networks unite for second social

Pan Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins and Penguin Random House’s Pride networks are organising their second industry-wide social to celebrate Pride Month in June. 

The social is set to be hosted at the Pan Macmillan offices in Farringdon on 12th June from 6pm to 9pm. 

This event follows on from a successful social last autumn hosted at the Hachette offices. Co-chair of Hachette Pride Lea Albrechtson said: “We were absolutely thrilled to host the first queer cross-industry party last year, and so pleased with the reception and the appetite for more events like this.  

“It’s amazing being part of a collaboration like this, and we’re grateful to Pan Mac for opening their doors this time while Hachette Pride are busy with our Pride in Writing events for Pride month.” 

Co-chairs of Pan Macmillan’s Pride network Becky Lushey and Charlie Castelletti said: “We are so glad to be hosting another social event for LGBTQIA+ colleagues across the industry; this is an opportunity to network, have fun, share books and ideas, and celebrate our successes.

“Our joint event last October was such a brilliant night and we received a lot of requests to host another one, so we’re thrilled to be able to put this together.” 

Andy Auton, departing co-chair of Penguin Random House’s Pride network, said: “I’ve loved being part of the cross-publisher pride alliance – it’s been so fulfilling and exciting to create new network relationships and partnership.” 

The joint social event is open to anyone working in publishing who identifies as LGBTQIA+. Those who wish to attend should email lgbtqia@macmillan.com with their work email address by 7th June. 

As last year, free copies of LGBTQIA+ books from all four of the major publishers involved in organising the event will be available for attendees to take home.