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BOOK LAUNCH ALERT

We’re SO excited to welcome Kai Spellmeier to Queer Lit for the launch of his dreamy, romantic new novel Boy Friends.

How do you delete the space between “boy” and “friends”? Luca & Simo are about to find out…

A secret crush, an anonymous message, and a love story waiting to happen — this one’s full of heart, atmosphere, and all the feels.

Come hear Kai talk all things love, longing & queer joy at Social Refuge!

Tickets are available now!.

Don’t miss this beautiful, emotional, gorgeous romance. Grab your tickets now and let’s celebrate queer lit together!

This one’s special…

Social Refuge & Queer Lit, in partnership with Rainbow Minds, are excited and honoured to bring you an Exclusive Charitable Screening of the multi‑award‑winning stop‑motion feature Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Join us for this special fund raiser event. In attendance with be the the creators of the film. We have a behind the scenes look at the making of Two Black Boys in Paradise, offering insight into their creative process.

This is followed by the feature presentation, culminating in a live Q&A with members of the creative team for an opportunity to explore the themes, craft, and lived experiences behind this powerful work.

Venue: Social Refuge
Date: May 26th
Time: Seating from 7pm
Tickets: £10 - All ticket sales will be donated to Rainbow Minds

This is more than a screening, it’s an evening of community, conversation, and care. Join us in celebrating Black queer storytelling while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

This one’s special…

Social Refuge & Queer Lit, in partnership with Rainbow Minds, are excited and honoured to bring you an Exclusive Charitable Screening of the multi‑award‑winning stop‑motion feature Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Join us for this special fund raiser event. In attendance with be the the creators of the film. We have a behind the scenes look at the making of Two Black Boys in Paradise, offering insight into their creative process.

This is followed by the feature presentation, culminating in a live Q&A with members of the creative team for an opportunity to explore the themes, craft, and lived experiences behind this powerful work.

Venue: Social Refuge
Date: May 26th
Time: Seating from 7pm
Tickets: £10 - All ticket sales will be donated to Rainbow Minds

This is more than a screening, it’s an evening of community, conversation, and care. Join us in celebrating Black queer storytelling while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

This one’s special…

Social Refuge & Queer Lit, in partnership with Rainbow Minds, are excited and honoured to bring you an Exclusive Charitable Screening of the multi‑award‑winning stop‑motion feature Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Join us for this special fund raiser event. In attendance with be the the creators of the film. We have a behind the scenes look at the making of Two Black Boys in Paradise, offering insight into their creative process.

This is followed by the feature presentation, culminating in a live Q&A with members of the creative team for an opportunity to explore the themes, craft, and lived experiences behind this powerful work.

Venue: Social Refuge
Date: May 26th
Time: Seating from 7pm
Tickets: £10 - All ticket sales will be donated to Rainbow Minds

This is more than a screening, it’s an evening of community, conversation, and care. Join us in celebrating Black queer storytelling while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

This one’s special…

Social Refuge & Queer Lit, in partnership with Rainbow Minds, are excited and honoured to bring you an Exclusive Charitable Screening of the multi‑award‑winning stop‑motion feature Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Join us for this special fund raiser event. In attendance with be the the creators of the film. We have a behind the scenes look at the making of Two Black Boys in Paradise, offering insight into their creative process.

This is followed by the feature presentation, culminating in a live Q&A with members of the creative team for an opportunity to explore the themes, craft, and lived experiences behind this powerful work.

Venue: Social Refuge
Date: May 26th
Time: Seating from 7pm
Tickets: £10 - All ticket sales will be donated to Rainbow Minds

This is more than a screening, it’s an evening of community, conversation, and care. Join us in celebrating Black queer storytelling while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

This one’s special…

Social Refuge & Queer Lit, in partnership with Rainbow Minds, are excited and honoured to bring you an Exclusive Charitable Screening of the multi‑award‑winning stop‑motion feature Two Black Boys in Paradise.

Join us for this special fund raiser event. In attendance with be the the creators of the film. We have a behind the scenes look at the making of Two Black Boys in Paradise, offering insight into their creative process.

This is followed by the feature presentation, culminating in a live Q&A with members of the creative team for an opportunity to explore the themes, craft, and lived experiences behind this powerful work.

Venue: Social Refuge
Date: May 26th
Time: Seating from 7pm
Tickets: £10 - All ticket sales will be donated to Rainbow Minds

This is more than a screening, it’s an evening of community, conversation, and care. Join us in celebrating Black queer storytelling while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

We're beyond excited to announce a VERY special Heartstopper Volume 6 pre-order competition! 💜

If you pre-order your copy through one of these brilliant independent queer bookshops across the UK you could win an illustration of you and a friend drawn by the incredible @aliceoseman!

With each bookshop choosing 1 winner at random, there will be 4 prizes up for grabs!

For the full T&Cs head to your chosen bookshop's website via the link in our stories or bio (13+ UK only).

It's going to be a Heartstopper summer 🍂

We're beyond excited to announce a VERY special Heartstopper Volume 6 pre-order competition! 💜

If you pre-order your copy through one of these brilliant independent queer bookshops across the UK you could win an illustration of you and a friend drawn by the incredible @aliceoseman!

With each bookshop choosing 1 winner at random, there will be 4 prizes up for grabs!

For the full T&Cs head to your chosen bookshop's website via the link in our stories or bio (13+ UK only).

It's going to be a Heartstopper summer 🍂

YASSS WINGS

June 6th
7PM - Till Late
Social Refuge

Wings your way:
Choose your portion: 5 • 10 • 15
Pick your dip and customise every bite just how you like it.

Cocktails All Night:
You're loved and favourite cocktails are doing the late shift. We’re keeping the drinks flowing with 2-for-1 cocktails ALL evening (same cocktail purchase)

We’re flipping the script, going off menu for the night and exploring a new chapter for the evening

Great food. Great drinks. Different energy.

#NewNights #WingsAndCocktails #EveningVibes #FlipTheScript

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

Just a little recap from our recent event…

Queer Lit and Social Refuge welcomed Adam Zmith and Tash Walker for an evening of discussion around their book The Log Books.

It was truly both insightful and inspiring — and also a powerful reminder of the struggles our LGBTQ+ community has faced across generations. Especially in these heightened political times, we’re reminded that history can repeat itself, and just how vital this work continues to be.

Being seen. Having our voices heard. Recording our lives for future generations.
If you were there, I’m sure you’ll agree — it was a memorable and moving conversation. If you'd like to get your hands on a signed copy you can grab yours here at Queer Lit while srtocks last#.

You can support incredible work like this by following Aunt Nell’s projects. If you’d like to stay connected between episodes, they have a free newsletter you can sign up for at auntnell.com

And if you want to support them more directly and be part of the inner circle, their Patreon is just £4 a month — making a real difference to two independent queer storytellers.

#QueerCommunity #LGBTQHistory #QueerVoices

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

Just a little recap from our recent event…

Queer Lit and Social Refuge welcomed Adam Zmith and Tash Walker for an evening of discussion around their book The Log Books.

It was truly both insightful and inspiring — and also a powerful reminder of the struggles our LGBTQ+ community has faced across generations. Especially in these heightened political times, we’re reminded that history can repeat itself, and just how vital this work continues to be.

Being seen. Having our voices heard. Recording our lives for future generations.
If you were there, I’m sure you’ll agree — it was a memorable and moving conversation. If you'd like to get your hands on a signed copy you can grab yours here at Queer Lit while srtocks last#.

You can support incredible work like this by following Aunt Nell’s projects. If you’d like to stay connected between episodes, they have a free newsletter you can sign up for at auntnell.com

And if you want to support them more directly and be part of the inner circle, their Patreon is just £4 a month — making a real difference to two independent queer storytellers.

#QueerCommunity #LGBTQHistory #QueerVoices

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

Just a little recap from our recent event…

Queer Lit and Social Refuge welcomed Adam Zmith and Tash Walker for an evening of discussion around their book The Log Books.

It was truly both insightful and inspiringand also a powerful reminder of the struggles our LGBTQ+ community has faced across generations. Especially in these heightened political times, we’re reminded that history can repeat itself, and just how vital this work continues to be.

Being seen. Having our voices heard. Recording our lives for future generations.
If you were there, I’m sure you’ll agree - it was a memorable and moving conversation. If you'd like to get your hands on a signed copy you can grab yours here at Queer Lit while srtocks last.

You can support incredible work like this by following Aunt Nell’s projects. If you’d like to stay connected between episodes, they have a free newsletter you can sign up for at auntnell.com

And if you want to support them more directly and be part of the inner circle, their Patreon is just £4 a month - making a real difference to two independent queer storytellers.

#QueerCommunity #LGBTQHistory #TheLogBooks

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

Just a little recap from our recent event…

Queer Lit and Social Refuge welcomed Adam Zmith and Tash Walker for an evening of discussion around their book The Log Books.

It was truly both insightful and inspiringand also a powerful reminder of the struggles our LGBTQ+ community has faced across generations. Especially in these heightened political times, we’re reminded that history can repeat itself, and just how vital this work continues to be.

Being seen. Having our voices heard. Recording our lives for future generations.
If you were there, I’m sure you’ll agree - it was a memorable and moving conversation. If you'd like to get your hands on a signed copy you can grab yours here at Queer Lit while srtocks last.

You can support incredible work like this by following Aunt Nell’s projects. If you’d like to stay connected between episodes, they have a free newsletter you can sign up for at auntnell.com

And if you want to support them more directly and be part of the inner circle, their Patreon is just £4 a month - making a real difference to two independent queer storytellers.

#QueerCommunity #LGBTQHistory #TheLogBooks

LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

Just a little recap from our recent event…

Queer Lit and Social Refuge welcomed Adam Zmith and Tash Walker for an evening of discussion around their book The Log Books.

It was truly both insightful and inspiringand also a powerful reminder of the struggles our LGBTQ+ community has faced across generations. Especially in these heightened political times, we’re reminded that history can repeat itself, and just how vital this work continues to be.

Being seen. Having our voices heard. Recording our lives for future generations.
If you were there, I’m sure you’ll agree - it was a memorable and moving conversation. If you'd like to get your hands on a signed copy you can grab yours here at Queer Lit while srtocks last.

You can support incredible work like this by following Aunt Nell’s projects. If you’d like to stay connected between episodes, they have a free newsletter you can sign up for at auntnell.com

And if you want to support them more directly and be part of the inner circle, their Patreon is just £4 a month - making a real difference to two independent queer storytellers.

#QueerCommunity #LGBTQHistory #TheLogBooks

What a fabulous surprise at Queer Lit!

We were absolutely delighted to welcome the wonderful Keith Jarrett @keithjlondon, who popped in unexpectedly and brightened our day in the best possible way!

Keith very generously took the time to sign copies of his powerful book, 'Hide Me Under the Blood and I Shall Be Satisfied' - making this visit even more special for us and for you!

Signed copies are now available in store, so if you’ve been meaning to pick one up (or fancy a beautifully signed edition), now is your moment.

Drop in, say hello, and grab your copy while they’re here - we’d love to see you!

#QueerLit #AuthorVisit #SignedBooks #KeithJarrett #BookshopLove

TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE

26TH MAY
7PM
SOCIAL REFUGE

JUNE 9TH
7PM
SOCIAL REFUGE

We’re thrilled to welcome Arathi Menon for a special Live Q&A at Queer Lit, where she’ll be diving into the heart of her thought‑provoking new book, Da.

‘A beautifully cut gem of a novel. Ved’s unforgettable voice makes this story come to life in so many funny, moving and unexpected ways.’ - Mahesh Rao, Author of 'Half Light'

Arathi will be joined by Isabelle Kenyon—publisher, founder of Fly on the Wall Press, as our chair for the evening—who will guide the conversation and help unpack the rich themes woven throughout the book.


This is a story of love between a father and a son.

Inquisitive 13-year-old Ved’s entire universe is his adoptive father, Da. From cooking him the perfect biryani, to helping him navigate his first school dance and his first girlfriend, Da lets Ved be himself.

Fiercely loving and fiercely protective, their relationship harbours a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay at a time when Section 377, a colonial law, makes homosexuality a crime. Beyond the law, vigilante gangs prowl the shadows, targeting those they deem ‘unnatural’ as Da and Ved’s happy existence grows ever more fragile.

Set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, Da is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept.

Expect an engaging and intimate discussion exploring identity, family, language, and the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic chance to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind Da, her creative process, and the personal and cultural threads that inform her work.

Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for audience Q&A!

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

2nd June
7pm
Social refuge

I’m extremely thrilled to be able to share (at last) details of the UK FATHER MATERIAL preorder campaign with you!!

Order your copy from @lighthousebks or @queerlituk to receive three Luc & Oliver vellum overlays + a signed bookplate. (These are the same incentives as the US indie campaign. It’s also while supplies last.) You can find all the l!nks in all the usual places. 💙❤️🥔

An unbelievable amount of finagling and logistics goes on behind the scenes in order for any campaign to happen (let alone several for one book). A big thanks to my publisher for all their hard work. And equally big thanks to everyone who has been patient. We got there in the end! ✊🫶💜

———

Disclaimers:

1. If you ask me a question that is directly answered in the caption or the post itself, I’m afraid I will not able to respond to you.
2. Please do consider visiting my website for further information about my work.
3. In order to make my social media a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, I filter & actively moderate.

JUNE 9TH
7PM
SOCIAL REFUGE

We’re thrilled to welcome Arathi Menon for a special Live Q&A at Queer Lit, where she’ll be diving into the heart of her thought‑provoking new book, Da.

‘A beautifully cut gem of a novel. Ved’s unforgettable voice makes this story come to life in so many funny, moving and unexpected ways.’ - Mahesh Rao, Author of 'Half Light'

Arathi will be joined by Isabelle Kenyon—publisher, founder of Fly on the Wall Press, as our chair for the evening—who will guide the conversation and help unpack the rich themes woven throughout the book.


This is a story of love between a father and a son.

Inquisitive 13-year-old Ved’s entire universe is his adoptive father, Da. From cooking him the perfect biryani, to helping him navigate his first school dance and his first girlfriend, Da lets Ved be himself.

Fiercely loving and fiercely protective, their relationship harbours a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay at a time when Section 377, a colonial law, makes homosexuality a crime. Beyond the law, vigilante gangs prowl the shadows, targeting those they deem ‘unnatural’ as Da and Ved’s happy existence grows ever more fragile.

Set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, Da is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept.

Expect an engaging and intimate discussion exploring identity, family, language, and the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic chance to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind Da, her creative process, and the personal and cultural threads that inform her work.

Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for audience Q&A!

Books will be available for purchase and signing.