Gay's The Word is the UK's oldest LGBT bookshop and a touchstone for the broader LGBT community. The bookshop was set up in January 1979 by a group of gay socialists as a community space where all profits were funnelled back into the business. This ethos continues today with shelves bursting with books and the space used for book and community events, all stewarded by three members of staff: Jim, Uli, and Erica. Across the website, you'll find details about our history; features in print, radio, and film; photographs and recordings from past events; and a curated selection of books in our online shop.