In Charlie’s Queer Books, a place of unabashed joy
Independent bookstores are at the heart of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, support diverse and new authors, bring books to readers in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, tell you what makes them special, and get their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have Charlie’s Queer Books in Seattle!
Founded by Charlie Hunt, a transgender man with experience publishing and building popular brands, Charlie’s Queer Books is a vibrant but cozy little shop. Charlie’s is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ authors and building community. It started as a bookmobile before evolving into the storefront it is today.
“Our customers love that the store exudes queer joy,” Hunt said. “From the pink walls to the flamingo bathroom, Charlie’s feels like a boutique in Palm Springs rather than a dark and boring store. In addition to queer favorites and bestsellers, we also stock books that customers may never have thought of – like a gay cookbook from the ’60s or a love story featuring a lesbian knight.”
The store aims to be a third place for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community, offering not only reading nooks but also meeting spaces. Hunt’s favorite part of the entire store, however, is the kids’ corner.
““We’ve seen adults cry while reading some of these picture books because they wished the books had existed when they were that age – and imagined what it would have been like to see others like them as a child,” Hunt said.
If you’re looking for an event in the Seattle area, Charlie’s Queer Books offers author events and book clubs, as well as educational programs for the LGBTQ+ community like first aid and legal name change. They also host fundraisers to benefit local nonprofits like Lambert House, a Seattle-based community center for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
During Pride Month, the store’s schedule is packed. Charlie’s Queer Books kicked off Pride Month with a performance at Seattle Pride in the Park and hosted events like Trans Yoga, Drag Story Time, and several author events. But there’s more to come! Charlie’s will be hosting a Bookish Drag Show on June 27th and appearing at Trans Pride Seattle on June 28th!
Check out these books recommended by Charlie Hunt!
- “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde
- “Love After the End” by Joshua Whitehead
- “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman (The latest volume comes out on December 19th!)
- And Tamsyn Muir’s “Gideon the Ninth” series
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