You know I love a queer bookshop and this Glaswegian dream of a queer space is absolutely delightful. Bug and Fin started Category is Books in 2018 to create the kind of space they were craving in their own neighbourhood. As the name promises, Category is Books has some exquisite shelving categories: from ‘Dyke Aching’ to ‘Trans Lit’ to the extensive poetry and theory sections, Bug and Fin show off their excellent taste on their shelves. In the recording, you can hear just how popular the shop is and how many people from near and far love to stop by for a browse and a chat. I’m telling you: this is a real treasure.
References:Dr Eamon McCarthy (new favourtite person)
Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities
https://www.sgsah.ac.uk/Section 28
Kelly Gardiner
Adrian’s Bar
Pluto Q Community Reading Room
https://www.plutoq.com/Hazel Jane Plante’s Little Blue Encyclopedia
Sam Szabo’s Enlightened Transexual Comix
Shola von Reinhold’s Lote
Questions you should be able to respond to after listening:- Why do we need specialist bookshops? Why did Bug and Fin want to open one?
- Why do Bug and Fin mention Section 28? Please look this term up if you are not familiar.
- What is your favourite category, section or genre in a bookshop?
- Why should you check Category is Books’ opening times before you go on your own queer pilgrimage there?
