Margins: Queer Lit Social

About

Exeter's 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 don't need to have read anything in advance, and you don't need to think of yourself as a reader or a writer to come along. Whether you're always surrounded by books, hoping to read or write a little more, or simply looking for a queer, bookish community, there's 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 doesn't 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 don't have to repeatedly come out, self-censor, or wonder whether something is too queer for the room. Were not here to police anyone's identity, and we certainly wont be checking anyone's 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 doesn't 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 - 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, you'll be able to choose how you'd 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.