Queer Haven Books: How Two Women Built a Queer Literary Sanctuary

Send us Fan MailThis episode is sponsored by Saturn Press!Hey indie bookshops!Did you know that greeting cards are a fantastic way for bookshops to boost sales? Saturn Press creates beautiful, handcrafted letterpress cards that customers love to purchase alongside books, helping bookshops grow and thrive.As a thank you for tuning in to The Bookshop Podcast, Saturn Press is offering indie bookshops 10% off your first order! Just use the code BOOKSHOP10 at checkout and discover how adding cards to your bookshop can make a big difference to your bottom line.Here's to supporting local bookshops, one card at a time.https://www.saturnpress.usIn this episode, I chat with Baker Rogers and Mattilyn Kortney, co-owners of Queer Have Books in Columbia, South Carolina.Nestled in Columbia's historic Arcade Mall, this cozy 680-square-foot sanctuary defines queer not just as gender and sexual identity but as active resistance against all forms of discrimination. The shelves hold carefully curated collections addressing LGBTQ+ experiences alongside works on anti-racism, feminism, and social justice, creating a space where intersectionality isn't just acknowledged but celebrated.What makes Queer Haven remarkable is how it thrives despite challenging political circumstances. While South Carolina faces potential legislation that could lead to widespread book bans, the shop has leaned into controversy by prominently featuring banned titles. "We have people come in here every day saying 'I've got to get this before it's sold out,'" Baker shares, noting the irony that censorship attempts have actually boosted interest in these books.Beyond retail, Queer Haven functions as a vibrant community center. In its first year as a brick-and-mortar location, it hosted an impressive 160 events, ranging from book clubs and writing workshops to drag story hours and queer comedy nights. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven recommendations and instant delivery, Queer Haven Books represents something profoundly different: human connection, thoughtful curation, and a physical space where marginalized voices are centered rather than silenced. It's not just about selling books—it's about creating community one page at a time.This episode is brought to you by Saturn Press. Indie Bookshop owners, click here to receive 10% off your first order:  www.saturnpress.usQueer Haven BooksTJ Klune BooksFarrel Covington and the Limits of Style, Paul RudnickTJ Klune episode on The Bookshop PodcastTJ Klune episode on The Bookshop PodcastPaul Rudnick episode on The Bookshop PodcastThe Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore, Evan FrissPen America Book BansThe Life Impossible, Matt HaigThe Night Watchman, Louise ErdrichStone Butch Blues, Leslie FeinbergSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links