Our Community

Find Out More

Over the history of Gay's The Word, there have been a number of community groups that have used our ground floor space for meetings and events. The longest running group is the Lesbian Discussion Group who have been meeting for almost 40 years on a weekly basis and who discuss current affairs, sexuality, politics, lifestyle, and lesbian-specific topics. The bookshop also hosts monthly meetings organised by Trans London and the London LGBT Book Group. See more information about each of these groups below.

The bookshop has also often been a place to find out about resources and information. That's why we've included a list of resources on this page that links to information about coming out, medical and legal advice advice, and a range of LGBT-specific organisations. If you're not sure where to begin, the Switchboard: LGBT+ helpline is a great place to start.

Gay's The Word is often used by teachers, librarians, and academics to source LGBT+ books for their research or borrowing collections, using our staff's comprehensive knowledge to find the best books for the purpose. We also partner with two organisations as a book supplier. For a number of years, we have worked with Educate & Celebrate who provide training to schools on the topics of inclusion and social justice. Ee supply their PRIDE Book Collections from Early Years to Secondary Classics. Since 2018, we have also supplied Queer Book Box, a monthly book subscription service that ships worldwide, which has included titles such as Guapa by Saleem Haddad, Crimson by Niviaq Korneliussen, and Freshwater by Awaeke Emezi.

To enquire about use of the bookshop for a community group or book-related event,

check our FAQs and use the contact form to get in touch.

Find out more

Lesbian Discussion Group

Every Wednesday evening

Info on topics & times here

*Currently being held online*

Trans London

Every 3rd Tuesday, 8pm

More info on their website

*See FB for current details*

LGBT Book Group

Every 3rd Friday, 7pm

Visit their Facebook page

*Currently being held online*

LGBT Resources

If you're looking for advice on coming out, medical or legal resources, or just want to know more about organisations working for and with the LGBTQ+ community.

It's not a comprehensive list, but it's a start to finding out more.

We will also have a Coming Out section of our new online shop.

Equally, you are welcome to email us for more specific recommendations.

Coming Out Resources

'Coming out as a Young Person' - Stonewall
'Coming out as an Adult' - Stonewall
'Coming Out' - LGBT Youth Scotland
Coming Out UK - Support
Everyone is Gay - Advice & Resources
My Kid is Gay - Parent Advice & Resources
The Bisexual Index - Coming Out
The A in LGBTQIA+ is for Ace - GALOP

International Organisations

Kaleidoscope International Trust -Worldwide LGBT+ Activism
ILGA - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, & Intersex Association

LGBTQIA+ Organisations

LGBT Switchboard - Helpline
Stonewall UK - Advocacy & Advice
LGBT Foundation - Advice & Support
UK Black Pride - Celebration for LGBTQ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, & Middle Eastern descent
Imaan - LGBT Muslim Support
Opening Doors London - Support for 50+
akt - LGBTQ+ homelessness support
Stonewall Housing - Housing Support
KENRIC - Lesbian Social Group
Gay Men's Group (GMG) - HIV Positive Support, Advice & Friendship Group
Gendered Intelligence - Support & Advocacy
Mermaids UK - Trans Youth Support
UK Intersex Association - Education, Advocacy, & Support
Asexuality Visibility & Education Network - Forums & Activities