Layla McCay | The Queer Bookshelf: A Reader’s Guide
Thu 8 Oct 2026 | 8:00pm - 9:00pm
We are in the middle of a vibrant surge of queer writing and yet LGBTQ+ writers, characters and readers have been here since the early days of literature – if you know where to look. Layla McCay’s reader’s guide charts a winding journey through the evolution of queer fiction – from Sappho to Stonewall, from tales of Greek heroes to cowboy romance. This book turns over stones to uncover brilliant stories that blur the boundaries of convention. Expect to come away with a list of books you’ll want to read!
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Book a ticket for this event and the Randa Abdel-Fattah ‘Discipline’ event – happening on the same evening – and get a 25% discount on your order. Both tickets need to be booked at the same rate e.g. 2 x Full Price tickets or 2 x Concession tickets.
Venue: Newnham College, Lucia Windsor Room
Duration: 1 hour
Choose your tickets:
Please note: A £2 transaction fee will be added to your basket at the checkout. The £2 fee stays the same regardless of the number of tickets or events you are booking.
Author Biography
Layla McCay is a passionate reader, host of queer book clubs from the UK to the US and Japan, and acclaimed performance storyteller with The Moth. She can frequently be found on the BBC and features in The Mortified Guide Netflix miniseries about growing up gay. Layla has won numerous awards for her positive impact on LGBTQ+ culture and inclusion, from Attitude 101 to the Rainbow Honours and Outstanding Executive Role Models. Her book Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ People Can Thrive and Succeed at Work won an Axiom Gold Book Award. Layla lives with her wife in London.
