Happy Pride and ever onward!

First up: We are so proud and happy to host a chill space tonight for attendees at Trans March! The live stream of Clark Park events is being set up right now. And we're delighted to once again be vendors at Vancouver Dyke March, Saturday 3 August, 12-5pm at Grandview Park! These two events are the most special parts of Pride Week in Vancouver, for us--inclusive, friendly, accessible, on a neighbourhood scale that quieter souls can enjoy. Tomorrow, we will be joined at the booth by two author guests, Tanya Boteju and Kristy Gardner, to share the good news about their upcoming new releases. We hope to see you!

Our anniversary passed last month with just a little fanfare. We have been very budget-conscious as we work toward long-term financial sustainability for your bookstore. Thank you for making our anniversary month one of the best we've had yet--up 15% from June! If we can climb another 15 percent, we can begin to breathe easy. For us that means less daily worry. For you it means more wonderful new titles by queer and trans authors, more art and gifts by local queer and trans artists.

So that thing you've been doing, keep doing it! Keep bringing your friends and telling folks about us. Every new friend helps us on our way to establishing ourselves as part of the future of this community.

Speaking of community, let me tell you about the cool things on our calendar for you to enjoy!

On 22 August, we'll be the booksellers at Kostuik Gallery's launch party for Long Live Queer Nightlife, a new book by UBC professor Amin Ghaziani that explores the history and importance of nightlife in queer culture, and looks at how it's taking new forms as queer, trans, and racialized folks replace traditional nightlife with radically inclusive parties.

On 4 September, Mx. Nillin Lore presents How Do I Sexy? a guide to sexuality and relationships for trans and nonbinary queers struggling to find their sexual selves in a landscape rife with misogynistic, transphobic and homophobic ideals and expectations. In this virtual event, Nillin will discuss the book with Vancouver therapist J. Matsui de Roo, followed by a moderated Q & A. Click here to order your book and and make your FREE reservation for the online event.

On 20 September, join local authors Wren Handman, Lucas J.W. Johnson, and Ziggy Schütz for readings, a panel, and a Q & A and book launch as part of Culture Days, Canada's national arts festival.

And I can't tell you how pleased we are to be invited as the bookseller for WordVancouver, the annual FREE literary festival coming up 21-28 September. Dozens of authors--readings--vendors--it's going to be great! Click here for information on WordVancouver memberships (which come with a little discount when you buy featured books from us) and to stay informed about festival events.

Please do ask us about regular gatherings including the 4th Sunday Queer Fibre Arts group, and 4th Monday Polyamory Discussion. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about hosting meetings and events in our space.

And finally, after many delays and frustrations, on Sunday 6 October we will launch Al-Khubz al Hayat/O Bread of Life, a zine to raise funds for relief in Palestine, inspired by my far-flung Lebanese family's traditional cooking. My late dad's hummus is the best hummus--garlicky, lemony, so satisfying--you'll get to try it, and pick up a sample of a classic Levantine spice blend along with your copy of the zine. The occupation of Palestine has loomed over the lives of everyone connected to the Middle East for so long, and I am so glad to be able to do this small thing.