Meet the Author: Layla McCay - The Queer Bookshelf

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Meet the Author: Layla McCay - The Queer Bookshelf

We have always been here, and so have our stories. Queer writers and writing about LGBTQ+ people have existed since the dawn of writing itself, from Ancient Mesopotamia through to the Victorians right up to to the present day, where we are currently experiencing a vibrant new era of queer writing.

The Queer Bookshelf is your ultimate guide to this rich history. Alongside the author’s own love affair with queer books, this book is packed with recommendations from prominent queer authors, booksellers, and readers and is an entertaining journey through the evolution of queer literature to discover the most important, fascinating, and fun queer classics from around the world.

Literary classics, pulp fiction, war writing, crime thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, young adult books: all have a queer history and future. The Queer Bookshelf lights the way, making it the perfect companion for anyone beginning or continuing their queer reading journey.

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The Lineup

Layla McCay, author

When Layla McCay isn’t reading a novel or running queer book clubs in the UK, US, and Japan, she frequently appears on the BBC, hosts The Moth storytelling shows, and features in The Mortified Guide Netflix miniseries about growing up gay. She was recognised on the Outstanding Executive Role Models and Attitude 101 lists for her impact on LGBTQ+ culture and inclusion, and her book Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ People Can Thrive and Succeed at Work won an Axiom Book Award. Layla is a leader in health policy by day and lives with her wife in London.

Paul Taylor-Pitt, host

Paul is a queer activist, Somatic Coach, Mentor, Writer, and award-winning Organization Development Consultant. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, who strives to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in society. In addition to hosting the HOPECAST podcast, where he discusses the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, Paul is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has been featured on HR Magazine's Most Influential Thinkers List. He currently resides in London with his husband. Paul is a gifted speaker who regularly shares his expertise on topics such as leadership, LGBTQ+ history and discrimination, well-being, self-empowerment, culture change, and community building. His ability to connect with his audience and convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner makes him a sought-after presenter and facilitator.