LGBTIQA+ lit boost for Leeds as queer bookshop launches in Merrion Centre

An entrepreneurial Leeds duo have launched a new indie bookshop to champion queer culture and the local LGBTIQA+ community.

Ray Larman and Nicola Hargrave have officially opened The Bookish Type in the Merrion Centre in Leeds’ Arena Quarter.

Situated on the upper balcony of the retail complex, the store aims to promote a diverse range of queer literature as well as create a community space for book lovers.

Co-owner Ray, who is a former community development worker for the West Yorkshire Queer Stories heritage project, commented: “We are so excited to finally open our doors to the public.

“The Merrion Centre is home to some of the city’s most unique independent businesses and it’s great for us to be joining such a diverse mix of indie operators and bring a new LGBTIQA+ space to Leeds.

“We have received a variety of enquiries from publishers keen for their writers to come along to give talks, and so we hope to stage a series of literary events to showcase these authors as we settle into our new space.”

Helen Green, property director for TCS said: “We are delighted to welcome ‘The Bookish Type’ to the Merrion Centre family.

“With an existing, eclectic mix of independent operators including Jumbo Records and the Chilli Shop, it is fantastic to welcome yet another unique venue that we are sure will follow the success of its neighbouring ‘indies’ in attracting a new audience to the Arena Quarter”.