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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We will also have a Coming Out section of our new online shop.
Equally, you are welcome to email us for more specific recommendations.
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Coming Out Resources
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'Coming out as a Young Person' - Stonewall
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'Coming out as an Adult' - Stonewall
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'Coming Out' - LGBT Youth Scotland
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Coming Out UK - Support
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Everyone is Gay - Advice & Resources
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My Kid is Gay - Parent Advice & Resources
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The Bisexual Index - Coming Out
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The A in LGBTQIA+ is for Ace - GALOP​​
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International Organisations
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Kaleidoscope International Trust -Worldwide LGBT+ Activism
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ILGA - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, & Intersex Association
LGBTQIA+ Organisations
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LGBT Switchboard - Helpline
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Stonewall UK - Advocacy & Advice
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LGBT Foundation - Advice & Support
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UK Black Pride - Celebration for LGBTQ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, & Middle Eastern descent
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Imaan - LGBT Muslim Support
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Opening Doors London - Support for 50+
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akt - LGBTQ+ homelessness support
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Stonewall Housing - Housing Support
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KENRIC - Lesbian Social Group
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Gay Men's Group (GMG) - HIV Positive Support, Advice & Friendship Group
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Gendered Intelligence - Support & Advocacy
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Mermaids UK - Trans Youth Support
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UK Intersex Association - Education, Advocacy, & Support
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Asexuality Visibility & Education Network - Forums & Activities
Medical & Legal Resources
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GALOP - Anti-violence & hate-crime
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Terrence Higgins Trust - HIV & Sexual Health Services & Advocacy
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56 Dean Street - HIV Testing Clinic
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London Friend - Mental Health, HIV, & Chemsex Support & Services
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Antidote (London Friend) - Drug & Alcohol Issue Support & Drop-ins
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Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) - Trans NHS Referrals, Services & Support
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CliniQ - Trans and Non-binary Holistic Wellbeing & Sexual Health Services
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MindOut - LGBTQ Mental Health Services
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Pink Therapy - Services for Gender, Sexualities, and Relationship Diversities
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UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group - Asylum Services & Resources
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Human Dignity Trust - Legal Defense & Legislative Reform
Educate & Celebrate
Educate & Celebrate provides training and consultation on gender, gender identity, and sexuality for schools.
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We provide their PRIDE Book Collections, including Early Years, KS1, KS2, and Classics lists.
