Margins: Queer Lit Social

About

Exeters new literary social for LGBTQ+ readers and writers.

Margins is a new kind of bookish space for Exeter: somewhere to talk about reading and writing, discover new things, get creative, and meet other LGBTQ+ people!

You dont need to have read anything in advance, and you dont need to think of yourself as a reader or a writer to come along. Whether youre always surrounded by books, hoping to read or write a little more, or simply looking for a queer, bookish community, theres a place for you at Margins.

Please note:Ticket options offer a choice between a writing workshop or discussion group for the second half - this is just to give us a rough indication of numbers and doesnt commit you to anything - you can absolutely change your mind on the day!

Margins is designed first and foremost for LGBTQ+ readers and writers - a space where you dont have to repeatedly come out, self-censor, or wonder whether something is too queer for the room. Were not here to police anyones identity, and we certainly wont be checking anyones queer credentials at the door! We simply ask that anyone thinking of joining us understands and respects that this is a queer-centred space, created around the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ people.

At the heart of Margins is a simple idea: queerness is the default here.

That doesnt mean every book you read or every conversation we have needs to be explicitly queer - it means creating a space that recognises that LGBTQ+ people can bring different experiences, perspectives, and responses to what we read and write. When we do want to talk about overtly queer books, themes, lives, or writing though, we can do so without worrying how that might be received.

Margins takes inspiration from the tradition of literary salons: spaces for people to gather around books, ideas, creativity, and conversation. So we cant think of a better home for it than the Devon & Exeter Institution [https://devonandexeterinstitution.org] - a beautiful historic library in the heart of Exeter, and a place with its own long history of bringing people together around learning, literature, and ideas!

About the event

Margins sessions will begin with a special guest speaker, followed by time for questions and conversation. After a short break, youll be able to choose how youd like to spend the second half of the evening: you can join a book discussion and sharing group, take part in a creative writing workshop, chill with a book in our quiet reading area, or get social and chat!

* Entry is free, but spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.
* Margins sessions are for adults aged 18+.
* Light refreshments will be available.

Well also share details on the night of how to join our online Margins community, where you can stay connected, keep swapping recommendations and ideas, and bridge the gap between in-person sessions.

Our first guest speaker will be announced soon - follow@margins.queerlit [http://www.instagram.com/margins.queerlit]on Instagram to hear wholl be joining us!

This event is part of Out There Fringe Fest 26 [https://www.outthere.org.uk/queer-fest], with support from Out There Together CIC.

Margins is also supported by Exeter City Council through a City Grant.

Access & taking part

Well make the structure and timings of the evening clear, include a natural break, and provide different options for participation. Youre never expected to speak, share your writing, or join an activity if you dont want to.

The Devon & Exeter Institution has wheelchair access and gender-neutral toilet facilities, and well be making use of its different rooms so that there is space away from the main activity for anyone who wants something quieter.

If theres anything that would help you take part, please get in touch with us at margins.queerlit@gmail.com.

Come as you are, bring whatever youre reading or writing, and help us start building Exeters new queer literary community!

Getting here

On foot:There are several walking routes depending on where youre coming from: via St Martins Lane from the High Street, via Catherine Street from Princesshay, through Cathedral Yard from either the High Street or South Street, or from Southernhay directly onto Cathedral Close!

By train: Exeter Central is the nearest station, around a 10-minute walk away. Exeter St Davids and Exeter St Thomas are both around a 20-minute walk.

By bus: Exeter Bus Station is nearby, around a 10-minute walk from the DEI, and there are also city-centre bus stops on the High Street and South Street within a short walk of the venue.

By car:There is no general visitor parking at the DEI. Nearby city-centre car parks includePrincesshayandGuildhall. There is also someon-street parking around Southernhay, where certain pay-and-display bays are free after6pm; restrictions vary, so please check the signs for the individual bay when parking.

Blue Badge parking: The DEI has a limited number of spaces for Blue Badge holders, which need to be arranged in advance, and the access route is a little different from the main entrance - so please drop us an email at margins.queerlit@gmail.com and well make sure you have all the info you need!

About Margins

Margins grew out of conversations between local people who felt Exeter was missing a dedicated LGBTQ+ literary space. We asked the community what they actually wanted before deciding what Margins should look like, and the response was clear: people wanted something broader and more flexible than a traditional book club, combining books, writing, guest speakers, creativity, and social connection.

Find out more on our Exeter UNESCO City of Literature Project Page [https://www.exetercityofliterature.com/devon-literary-projects/margins-queer-lit-social]- and don't forget to follow us onInstagram [http://www.instagram.com/margins.queerlit]!