The Queer Bookshelf

‘The Queer Bookshelf is a joyful compendium of our literary heritage, and I’m honoured my own books are featured. It’s a fun way to fill the holes in my intellectual armour about the many courageous writers who wrote about the love that dared not speak its name long before me. My one caveat: my reading list is now a doozy!’

-- Vincent Virga , author of A Comfortable Corner and The Gaywick Quartet

‘If you’re looking for a friendly guide to welcoming you into the diverse world of queer literature, look no further than The Queer Bookshelf.’

-- Dean Atta

‘Whatever the law might say, our stories matter: on and off the page. This guide is a hopeful starting point for any reader curious about LGBTQ+ stories. It will have you building another shelf, in your imagination if not in your home.’

-- Damian Barr, author of The Two Roberts

‘For any reader with even a passing interest in LGBTQ+ literature, The Queer Bookshelf provides an indispensable resource, touching on the history, social, and political dynamics of key texts, while also pointing towards the future. Highly recommended.’

-- William Hussey, author of The Boy I Love

‘No queer bookshelf is complete without this book. A thoughtful and empowering guide for the discerning queer reader.’

-- A. J. West, author of How Queer Bookshops Changed the World

‘For many of us the library or the book shop have been our safe spaces, the place where we finally feel at home, where we begin to gather the courage to be ourselves, often supported by a kindly librarian or shop owner taking pity on us and gently directing us to the right shelf, the right books. Layla McKay is that librarian. Covering several centuries and dozens of nations, she offers us the widest range possible of queer stories along with rich commentary and personal anecdote from booksellers, librarians, writers, and readers. It is both an historical account and a hope — with a hint of warning — for the future. This meticulously researched, deliciously expansive, and genuinely inclusive book is a roadmap for anyone who ever asked, “Where can I read ME?”’

-- Stella Duffy, author of London Lies Beneath

‘An important piece of literature that celebrates and sheds light on the role of queer stories, queer writers, and queer bookstores. Your inner bookworm will love you for reading this.’

-- Elias Jahshan

Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:

‘Layla is right that the challenges to opportunity exist disproportionately across minority communities — I am thrilled that she’s not only highlighting these disparities for the LGBTQ+ community but is providing insights and solutions to overcome these challenges.’

-- John Amaechi OBE, author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling leadership book The Promises of Giants

Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:

‘A brilliantly researched book packed full of insight, advice, and inspiration for those who want to be able to live, work, and succeed as their authentic and fabulous LGBTQ+ selves.’

-- Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder & CEO of Involve and Audeliss, and author of How To Get Your Act Together

Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:

‘As CEO of the premier non-profit organisation working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equity, inclusion, and belonging, it is such a pleasure to find a book so full of personal insights, research, and practical actions on these topics. This book makes it clear how the rainbow ceiling was built, and how to break it down, with anecdotes from people all over the world that make it funny, sad, surprising, and real. Required reading for LGBTQ+ people pursuing their careers as well as for anyone seeking to build a more inclusive workplace.’

-- Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal

Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:

‘Profound research, inspiring stories, a clear message: Why are LGBTQ+ people underrepresented at the most senior levels in global workplaces? What can be done to change this — by employers, lawmakers, managers, the queer workforce? And why is this so important — for all of us? Layla McCay has written a very important book, essential for every leader at all levels.’

-- Jens Schadendorf, economist and author of GaYme Changer: how the LGBT+ community and their allies are changing the global economy

Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:

‘An important look at ways to combat the impacts of prejudice in the workplace so that everyone can thrive at work.’

-- Matthew Todd, author of Straight Jacket: Overcoming Society’s Legacy of Gay Shame and previous editor of Attitude Magazine