San Francisco has long been a hub of LGBT culture. As therapists who love to read, queer bookshops are a bit of weakness for us. These cozy corners offer a trove of queer literature and serve as hubs for connection, celebration, and belonging. The following bookstores invite readers to explore LGBT narratives.

Dog Eared Books

Castro

Located in the heart of the Castro district, Dog Eared Books' ambiance and curated collection of LGBTQ+ titles is sure to satisfy.

Why It's Great: Dog Eared Books is more than a bookstore. It's a community space that hosts readings, book launches, and events, making it a staple for queer literature enthusiasts in San Francisco.

Green Apple Books

Inner Richmond

A beloved San Francisco institution, Green Apple Books features an extensive collection that includes dedicated queer and feminist sections.

Why It's Great: With its vast selection, the store serves as a broad resource for those exploring LGBTQ+ themes and stories.

City Lights Booksellers

North Beach

An icon of independent bookselling, City Lights embodies the San Francisco spirit of activism and inclusion. Its shelves overflow with LGBTQ+ literature, inviting readers to engage in celebration of queer voices.

Why It's Great: City Lights is renowned for its progressive stance and extensive collection of LGBTQ+ literature, providing a welcoming space for discussions.

The Booksmith

Haight-Ashbury

Nestled in the eclectic Haight-Ashbury, The Booksmith is a force in San Francisco’s literary landscape. Beyond its curated selection, it hosts events and fosters connections within the LGBTQ+ community. Here, readers and writers celebrate the power of storytelling.

Why It's Great: Booksmith’s approach to community engagement and its support for LGBTQ+ authors and stories make it a hot spot for readers and writers alike.

Bound Together Bookstore

SoMa

As an anarchist, collective-run bookstore, Bound Together is a place for radical thought and dissent. This place champions LGBTQ+ and feminist literature amidst its shelves of zines and texts. Here, activists find inspiration, forging bonds of resistance and resilience.

Why It's Great: This volunteer-run space champions anti-authoritarian, queer, and feminist literature and ideas, making it a hub for activists and thinkers.

Fabulosa Books

Mission District

A newcomer to San Francisco’s literary scene, Fabulosa Books provides queer visibility and community connection. It fosters a space where stories converge and voices resonate.

Why It's Great: Fabulosa Books is quickly becoming a community favorite for its dedication to queer literature and culture, hosting events and creating a vibrant space for all.

LGBT Narratives Matter

These bookshops serve as more than mere purveyors of literature. They places for the LGBTQ+ community to finds inspiration and kinship. Let's support these local treasures, whether through the purchase of books, attendance at events, or advocacy for their continued presence in our communities.

Queer Narratives, Real and Fictional: LGBT Therapy in San Francisco

Inspired to explore the power of queer narrative in your own life? Reach out for a free therapy consultation with one of our queer therapists today.