Queer Lit

Queer Lit, tucked away on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter, is more than a bookshop, it’s a community hub where stories and people meet. Founded by Matthew Cornford in 2020, the shop has become one of the UK’s leading queer bookstores, proudly stocking thousands of titles that celebrate every aspect of LGBTQ+ life.

Inside, shelves brim with novels, memoirs, poetry and graphic novels from queer writers around the world. From Alice Oseman and Ocean Vuong to Shon Faye and Dean Atta, the range is carefully curated to be inclusive, intersectional and inspiring. The store regularly hosts author events, readings and book launches, including partnerships with LGBT Foundation, Manchester Pride and Queer Contact. It’s also known for intimate evenings with writers where conversations spill naturally into the aisles.

The shop’s friendly staff make everyone feel instantly at ease, whether you’re exploring queer lit for the first time or hunting for rare small press titles. There’s coffee on offer, a reading nook at the back, and a noticeboard filled with local queer events, volunteer calls and writing groups.

Queer Lit has quickly become a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural identity, defiant, joyful and full of heart. It’s proof that books, like people, are at their best when they’re open.