If there’s one thing Manchester is known for across the world, it’s a fierce independence that extends across all communities within the city. We’ve got our own way of doing things up North and that translates to how we share our love of books and the stores that sell them.
There are plenty of indie bookshops around the city and suburbs that are LGBT-friendly and welcome people from all walks of life. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Queer Lit
The Northern Quarter is a hotbed of inclusive stores and there are a few bookshops in the area worth visiting. An absolute must is Queer Lit, located on Tib Street. Stocking a wide range of LGBT-friendly books, there’s queer history, gay graphic novels, trans commentary and so much more to discover when stepping inside.
A nice touch is that every category is clearly marked out based on orientation, making it easy to search for the kind of books you want. Queer Lit also runs regular collaborations with mental health café Feel Good Club for diverse book clubs.
UNITOM
For those who take inspiration from the arts, UNITOM in Stevenson Square is worth a visit. The bookshop offers indie magazines, unique books and contemporary art and design zines across various disciplines.
There’s also counterculture art on display and exclusive prints that can be bought from marginalised artists from all over the world. It’s all the brainchild of co-founders Wini Tse and Matthew Palentine, who wanted to build a creative space in the heart of the Northern Quarter.
Chapter One Books
One of Manchester’s most popular book oases, Chapter One is an ideal place for browsing books and grabbing a coffee and cake.
Another good thing is that it stays open until 9PM, meaning you can gather with friends and family for a creative event later than most other bookstores in the city.
Anywhere Out of This World
A hidden gem on Tib Street, Anywhere Out of This World can be found near Beermoth in the NQ. It’s a treasure trove of philosophy and classical texts that will make you think deeply about the world and your place in it.
It’s spaces like Anywhere Out of This World that are learning centres for being more accepting of different communities. It’s having the resources available to open your mind to perspectives that are different from your own.
The House of Books and Friends
A new addition to Manchester, the House of Books and Friends was created as a space to combat loneliness and further positive mental health conversations. There’s a communal feeling to the brightly lit space lined by colourful books in categories of all types.
A small café sits in the centre, while working spaces and couches are dotted about so people can create their own kind of reading experience. The venue also runs different events, adding to the community feeling.
Gay Pride Shop
No list of bookshops would be complete without Manchester’s longest-running LGBT + bookstore. Nestled in Afflecks palace, the Gay Pride Shop houses a massive range of progressive books.
With proceeds going to charities like The National Transgender Charity and HIV Positive Living Charity, the venue is truly purpose-led (and totally fabulous).
Chorlton Book Shop
If you find yourself out in the South Manchester suburbs, be sure to pay a visit to Chorlton Book Shop. This bastion of literature has been around since 1983, serving locals reliably. You can also take advantage of a free next-day delivery book service if you’re trying to order a specific text.
And it’s not just books to find here. The store sells greeting cards, notebooks, calendars and children’s toys for added variety.
Urmston Book Shop
Another suburban haven is Urmston Book Shop, which has a great local reputation. There’s a huge range of adult and children’s books to choose from and it’s located in an area where there are plenty of cafes and venues to sit down and have a read.
Bio:
Jamie Ryder is a copywriter and author interested in exploring the connections between philosophy, mental health and leadership. He’s the founder of the Japanese culture publication Yamato Magazine and copywriting business Stoic Athenaeum.