FAQs
If you have a question about the shop that is not answered here, please get in touch.
What do you mean by “a queer bookshop”?
A bookshop that stocks predominantly queer content and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. These are books, graphic novels, zines, comics and magazines with narratives, representation, characters and information related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, pan, trans, queer, intersex, asexual people; or about any aspect of the human experience of gender and sexuality.
What sort of titles do you stock?
We stock a wide range of ‘Categories’ - from autobiographies to camp cult classics; queer theory to ‘poetry is not a luxury’; detective novels (mainly lesbian) to ‘books with maps at the beginning’ and sci fi with queer characters. There is a young adult and children’s section, as well as a non-fiction section covering LGBTQ activism, history, politics, healthcare and other issues facing the community.
What types of books do you have?
Our books are both second hand and new; and our variety of titles include those from mainstream publishing houses, independent publishers, small presses and zine distros. Our titles come from all around the world, and we are building up those available in a wider variety of languages.
What else do you have in the shop?
In addition to books, we stock magazines, comics, zines, gifts, badges and merchandise for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Do you run events and programmes?
Category Is can be used by members of the LGBTQIA+ community for their own events and workshops on a pay-what-you-can basis. This is a key part of the shop and we love when the space can be used for readings, signings, launches, workshops, reading groups, writing groups, support groups, after school drag clubs, performances, pop-up barber shopping, film screenings (etc).
You can view the full calendar of events (and further information about using the space) here.
Do you have a cafe?
No formal cafe, but there is always a pot of coffee or herbal teas on the go.
Is there free parking closeby?
Yes! There is a specific parking space outside the shop, and most of the surrounding area is free to park in.
How do I get to you on public transport?
You can get the train to Queens Park station from Glasgow Central Station, or any bus running down Victoria Road or Pollokshaws Road.
How accessible is the shop?
The shop is level-access for wheelchair users. Sometimes the other half of the door needs opened, but just wave and we will get over to you! We try to make sure that the main floor area of the shop always has at least 100cm between furniture items so that customers can move around easily. Most things are on castors so just shout if you need anything changed.
There are a number of seats around the shop, so please take a rest whenever you need it. We are also happy to bring books to you while sitting.
We are able to give guidance, read blurbs and support anyone with visual impairment. We also keep paper and pen by the till for anyone with hearing difficulties.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make the shop more accessible for your needs, we hope we are creating an inclusive, friendly and safe space for all.
Are you Autism friendly?
We hope so! Category Is is co-owned by a wonderful autistic human, so we have designed things to be as suitable as possible.
On Wednesdays we have an autism friendly day, where we keep the lights dimmed, only play white noise and keep conversations low. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do!
Why the Southside of Glasgow?
We have been living in Govanhill for about a decade, and the bookshop is something that we always wished both our city and local area had. We think that it is important that queerness is as visible in as many places as possible.
Do I need to be gay to come to the shop?
Everybody is welcome to come to the shop! This includes all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as cis and straight allies, friends, family members, parents, teachers and anybody that is intrigued, has questions, or simply wants to learn about queer history, culture, people and experience. All we ask is that you come with an open heart and remain respectful. ❤️
Can I donate second hand books to you?
Yes! You can send any second hand queer books you would like to donate to 34 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8NN. You can also add second hand books to the pay it forward shelves.
Is it possible for school groups to visit the bookshop?
Absolutely! We love having school groups, LGBTQIA youth groups, university trips etc come to visit. The shop tends to be a bit quieter during the week so we would suggest coming by then. If you want to give us a heads up before, then just send an email or phone. The shop fits around 30 people.
Will you stock my zine / comic / book / merch?
We love stocking local and independent work! Please note that we do not review any work in person at the shop.
To be considered for stock you can:
email us information about you and your work at categoryisbooks@gmail.com and we can send you the new stock submissions form to fill out.
bring your work into the shop and put it into the submissions box.
post us a copy or proof!
* note, we are a queer bookshop and will only stock books that specifically include LGBTQIA+ narratives and characters, or are written by people in the queer community. For anthologies and magazines we look for around 80% queer contributors.
Would you be available to run a pop up, do a talk , speak on a panel (etc) at my event ?
We generally don’t have capacity to run pop ups, or come to speak at different events but we are very happy to recommend other queer booksellers such as Burning House Books, or Lavender Menace Returns who are great at this sort of thing!
Can I interview for my blog, magazine, university project, phD, dissertation ?
We get lots of wonderful requests for interviews, and when we have extra spoons for it then we love to do these - so do get in touch if you have something in mind. However, please don’t be disheartened if we are not in a position to contribute every time.
I’m making a film! Can I film footage at the bookshop?
It is not possible to film at the bookshop during opening hours. This is because the shop is an openly LGBTQ+ space, but not everyone who visits is ‘out’ and we try to make sure people can come here without fear of being accidentally outed. For this reason, if you wish to film footage of the shop please get in touch to arrange a time to do this outside of bookshop hours.
Are you hiring?
We are not in a position to hire others until we are a bit more established (i.e we build a bathroom!) - but hope to be able to employ other keen booksellers further down the line. Any opportunities will be posted on our website and social media. This is the same for volunteers and internship placements.
How can I help?
You can also support us by ordering books from us, contributing to the pay it forward, or following us on social media. Please get in touch if you would like to help us in any other way!