Online Lecture #6
Queering Libraries
The final contribution to the online lecture series took place in the library of the Goethe-Institut London. Queering Libraries highlighted the importance of libraries as inclusive spaces, particularly for queer and marginalized perspectives. Beginning with a performance by drag queen Vicky Voyage, the event included a discussion with Wassan Ali, archival specialist at the Spinnboden Lesbian Archive and Library, as well as Gabriela Salas Vidal, a collaborator with the intersectional bookshop Common Press in London.
The event commenced with an interactive drag story hour by Vicky Voyage, including readings from two works of children’s literature: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo and My Shadow is Purple. These books thematize diversity and self-acceptance, encouraging children to celebrate both individuality and pluralism. Vicky emphasized the role drag artists who play with gender norms take on in helping dismantle societal stereotypes and shaping alternative narratives. She explained the difference between drag and trans identities, correcting misconceptions and biases. Her reading provided a powerful demonstration of how literature and performance can be combined to promote the acceptance of marginalized identities from an early age.
Following these readings, panelists discussed the role of libraries and archives as spaces of cultural transformation. Wassan Ali described the work of Berlin’s Spinnboden Lesbian Archive, which was founded in the 1970s as one of the first archives of its kind: documenting and preserving the history of lesbian movements. Ali described how the archive not only preserves the past but also provides a platform for making marginalized voices and stories which are often excluded from mainstream historiography audible. Ali emphasized the importance of diversifying existing archives and making these more accessible for queer people of color and other marginalized groups.
Gabriela Salas Vidal’s contributions to the discussion centered the experiences of working at the London bookshop Common Press, an institution which describes itself as a space for queer and intersectional encounters. Salas Vidal explained how books and literary events play a key role in initiating social change and bringing alternative perspectives into the mainstream. The role of a bookshop is not merely to sell literature, but also to provide a safe space for communities. Salas Vidal highlighted how Common Press consciously promotes the works of marginalized authors in order to counter the dominance of hegemonic voices in the literary scene. In this way, such work can also be understood as a form of activism.
One central point of the panelists’ discussion was the role of libraries as inclusive, public spaces. Speakers thematized the importance of libraries taking proactive steps to better align their work with the needs of queer and marginalized groups. Their suggestions included offering targeted programs like drag story hour readings, book clubs, or interactive workshops that speak to queer people and actively promote diversity. In order to better design such programs, libraries should enter into dialog with these communities directly and inquire about their specific needs and interests. These kinds of initiatives help dismantle prejudices and promote acceptance for queer identities.
The event highlighted how cultural institutions like libraries and bookshops can be more than learning spaces: They can also be sites of active social change, challenging norms and structures and helping bring different narratives into public discourse. Libraries and archives are not static entities; they are dynamic, living spaces and must be configured to better support a more progressive, inclusive society.
Following these readings, panelists discussed the role of libraries and archives as spaces of cultural transformation. Wassan Ali described the work of Berlin’s Spinnboden Lesbian Archive, which was founded in the 1970s as one of the first archives of its kind: documenting and preserving the history of lesbian movements. Ali described how the archive not only preserves the past but also provides a platform for making marginalized voices and stories which are often excluded from mainstream historiography audible. Ali emphasized the importance of diversifying existing archives and making these more accessible for queer people of color and other marginalized groups.
Gabriela Salas Vidal’s contributions to the discussion centered the experiences of working at the London bookshop Common Press, an institution which describes itself as a space for queer and intersectional encounters. Salas Vidal explained how books and literary events play a key role in initiating social change and bringing alternative perspectives into the mainstream. The role of a bookshop is not merely to sell literature, but also to provide a safe space for communities. Salas Vidal highlighted how Common Press consciously promotes the works of marginalized authors in order to counter the dominance of hegemonic voices in the literary scene. In this way, such work can also be understood as a form of activism.
One central point of the panelists’ discussion was the role of libraries as inclusive, public spaces. Speakers thematized the importance of libraries taking proactive steps to better align their work with the needs of queer and marginalized groups. Their suggestions included offering targeted programs like drag story hour readings, book clubs, or interactive workshops that speak to queer people and actively promote diversity. In order to better design such programs, libraries should enter into dialog with these communities directly and inquire about their specific needs and interests. These kinds of initiatives help dismantle prejudices and promote acceptance for queer identities.
The event highlighted how cultural institutions like libraries and bookshops can be more than learning spaces: They can also be sites of active social change, challenging norms and structures and helping bring different narratives into public discourse. Libraries and archives are not static entities; they are dynamic, living spaces and must be configured to better support a more progressive, inclusive society.