The Bookish Type begins a new chapter for Leeds' LGBTQ+ readers

Independent bookshops often become more than places to buy books, and The Bookish Type in Leeds is a fine example. Since 2020 it has given the city a shop where every title on the shelves is written by an LGBTQ+ author or explores LGBTQ+ themes.

The shop was founded by Ray Larman and Nicola Hargrave, who opened in the Merrion Centre in September 2020. According to Wikipedia, it was the first bookshop in the United Kingdom to be owned by a trans woman, a milestone that gave it a special place in the story of the city's independent retail scene.

In 2025 the business passed to a new team. Friends Emily Reynolds, Liza Bulhakova and Caitlyn Oakes took over, and they have been working to build a safe and vibrant community hub for LGBTQ+ people in Leeds.

The shop's address is now listed as 77a Great George Street in the city centre, where every book on the shelves has been chosen to reflect LGBTQ+ voices, lives and experiences.

One of the most thoughtful parts of the business is its community-funded pay-it-forward model. Customers can contribute so that others, particularly young people, can buy books at a lower price if they need to. It is a simple idea that puts stories into the hands of readers who might otherwise miss out.

The new owners have also spoken openly to Scene magazine about the abuse they have faced inside the shop, while remaining committed to keeping it a welcoming space. It is a shop with a real purpose at its heart.

For readers, the joy is in the browsing. Shelves built around a single, clear mission make it easy to discover writers you might not meet elsewhere, and a shop built on community is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Independent bookshops thrive when readers choose to support them, and this one has shown how a clear purpose can build a loyal following across Leeds and beyond.

The Bookish Type welcomes visitors at its Great George Street shop. Book lovers can call in to browse, ask for recommendations or find out how to support the pay-it-forward scheme.