From February 7 to 11, cult beauty and skincare brand Aesop is temporarily transforming into a queer library. The floor stock at its QV location will be cleared out to make way for a curated collection of titles by 45 LGBTQIA+ authors, and you're invited to swing by and grab a complimentary book of your choice.
This activation (the third iteration) aims to amplify queer, BIPOC, trans and gender non-conforming voices in Melbourne during Australia's Pride festivities – aka Midsumma Festival and Mardi Gras.
This year, the focus is on contemporary stories that empower, as well as current and next-gen writers who are challenging boundaries and shifting the narrative for positive change. In an effort to support independent bookstores, many of the volumes have been purchased from queer bookstore Hares and Hyenas.
If you're keen to snag a free read, be sure to get there early. For the full catalogue of titles and authors that will be on offer, head to the Aesop website.
