In a world where diverse queer voices need amplifying more than ever, The Aesop Queer Library has returned this year for its fifth edition taking place in London and Brighton.
The Aesop Queer Library returned to London for its fifth edition, opening its doors for the duration of London Pride. Photography: Aesop
Words by Roddy Clarke
When it comes to Pride, many brands fall into the trap of ‘pink-washing’, viewing it as a popular marketing opportunity more than a real chance to support the community in a genuine way. And, while strategic support of such a pivotal event is needed, it is critical to ensure it is conceived in tandem with the community and with no commercial agenda attached to its purpose. That’s why, for me, The Aesop Queer Library positively brings together a wealth of diverse queer talent and why its fifth edition, recently taking place in London, was a joy to attend.
Visitors were able to access the store to browse the titles available before leaving with a complementary piece of queer literature to keep. Photography: Aesop
Centred on a theme for 2025 titled ‘In other words – write to exist’, the event took place in the Australian lifestyle brand’s Lexington Street location in Soho. Removing all products from the store and restocking the shelves with an abundance of queer literature curated to align with its theme, the library remained open for the duration of London Pride where passers-by could visit and leave with a complimentary piece of literature of their choice.
Founded on the resonation with the transformative power experienced through queer storytelling, The Queer Library has become a platform for underrepresented voices, with this year’s edition placing a particular focus on trans and non-binary voices, curated by independent bookstore Gay’s The Word. Reminding us of the history behind the fight for queer rights, this year’s hero title is Marsha, a book shining a light on one of the most central activists to this critical movement, Marsha P.Johnson, written by artist, writer and activist Tourmaline. ‘Marsha’s life reminds us that the work of liberation isn’t just about protest,’ comments the author. ‘It’s also about sparkle, about softness, about staying alive and helping others stay alive too.’ A complimentary audiobook of Marsha, created in partnership with HarperCollins and xigxag, will be available too, expanding the library beyond the physical stores and making it more accessible.
A large array of titles were available, with visitors able to peruse the offering before making their personal selection. Photography: Aesop
Some of the other titles included in this year’s selection are Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde, Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter, We are your children by David Roberts and Out of the Shadows by Walt Odets. ‘Now in its fifth year, the Queer Library reflects Aesop’s enduring reverence for literature and belief in its ability to foster understanding,’ says Ryad Djellas, the European GM for Aesop. ‘Through our stores and platforms, we aim to meaningfully engage with the neighbourhoods we are proud to be part of. What began as a modest gesture – in response to the cancellation of Pride celebrations during COVID – has grown into a global project, sharing over 100,000 books to date and inviting connection through the simple, generous act of reading.’
This year also sees the return of the initiative’s Reading Room to Aesop Brighton, taking place from 31st July – 3rd August, coinciding with Brighton Pride. While housing a smaller selection of titles that were available in the London location, it again offers visitors the chance to select a complimentary book from the shelves to keep. Added to its library offering, visitors also have the chance to take part in an interactive literary card game based on the archetypal Aesop fable – The North Wind and the Sun. Each card is imprinted with a word from the fable, which when drawn, players can reveal their own take on the story allowing for stimulating discussions to develop.
In making queer literature accessible in such a way, it creates a ripple effect of impact as passers-by engage and interact with stories that have shaped and continue to shape the world as we know it. Photography: Aesop
In world that feels uncertain, seeing safe spaces created for the queer community to feel seen, heard and elevated is critical in the ongoing fight for progress. And, for younger members of the community to be able to access a space where insightful literature is available to help shape and guide their own personal journey is pivotal and an important reminder of the power found in community and connection.
The Aesop Queer Library has also returned to the US, Canada, Germany and Australia with events occurring globally last month during Pride Month. The Aesop Foundation also continues its support for All Out – a global movement fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights around the world through petitions pushing for governmental change.
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