Summer Pride

June rings in Pride month and what better excuse to celebrate our true authentic selves? It's a time of bright colours, zero prejudice and above all else, love in all its forms. We've collated a bunch of exciting LGBT+ themed events happening over the next few weeks, showcasing the best queer talent across the arts. We recommend attending as many as you can!

Penguin Pride London: Turn It Up | 27th June, 7:30pm, Royal Vauxhall Tavern

Hosted by the fabulous Crystal Rasmussen on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, enjoy an evening of readings and performances from a stellar line-up of LGBT writers and artists. Penguin Pride will also be hitting Liverpool on 26th July and Manchester on 21st August.

The Need for Safe Queer Spaces with Matthew Todd and Niven Govinden | 2nd July, 6:30pm, Waterstones Gower Street 

Despite increasing levels of acceptance, safe spaces both on and offline are essential for young queer people. Matthew Todd and Niven Govinden look back on how far these spaces have come since the Stonewall riots of 1969 and how far we still have to go. Matthew will also be on tour with his book Pride throughout July. Find out where you can catch him here.

Pride in Writing: An Evening of LGBTQ+ authors | 4th July, 6:30pm, Waterstones Piccadilly 

Get 15 authors for the price of one! Compere Stella Duffy will be joined by names such as Patrick Gale, Juno Roche and Julie Cohen for a range of panel events exploring queering genre, gender fluidity and more. You can get your books signed too!

Youth Pride with Simon James Green | 6th July, 3pm, Quarry Theatre Bedford 

Noah Can't Even author Simon James Green will be discussing his brand new rom-com Alex in Wonderland at BookTastic Festival. As a contributor to Juno Dawson's new anthology Proud, Simon will also be discussing pride within the wider YA community. 

Meet Robin Stevens | 22nd June, 2:30pm, Waterstones Exeter 

Celebrating five years of Wells and Wong, the amazing Robin Stevens will be signing copies of her complete rainbow of books. Don't forget to pick up a special anniversary edition of Murder Most Unladylike too! Check out where else you can catch Robin soon.

Young Adult Book Club: Birthday by Meredith Russo | 2nd July, 6:30pm, Waterstones Canterbury Rose Lane 

Discover the brand new heartbreaking novel from If I Were Your Girl author Meredith Russo. Birthday follows two best friends who gradually grow apart as they struggle to live their authentic lives. Drop into the YA book club meeting to discuss this beautiful new story.