November Lavender Library: The Books That Made You Gay – First Crushes and Queer Heroes
Problem: There weren’t enough local queer-centered book clubs. Solution: We started one.
Join us for Lavender Library, AP’s queer book club, where we gather to read, discuss, and connect around books by and about queer voices. This month, we’re doing something a little different with Books That Made You Gay: First Crushes and Queer Heroes.
Think back to the books, characters, stories, and fictional worlds that made you pause and think, “Oh. Interesting.” Maybe it was your first unmistakable fictional crush. Maybe it was a character you desperately wanted to be, befriend, or spend a suspicious amount of time thinking about. Maybe you found yourself in a queer story for the first time, or found queerness in a story that definitely wasn’t supposed to be queer.
There’s no required book this month and no wrong answer. Bring a favorite book, character, passage, cover, recommendation, or just the memories you want to talk about. Whether your queer awakening came from classic literature, fantasy adventures, comics, old favorites, fanfiction-adjacent reading, or something completely unexpected, there’s room for it here.
Come ready to reminisce, laugh, swap recommendations, and celebrate the stories and characters that helped us figure ourselves out 🏳️🌈📚💜
Come for the books. Stay for the conversation. Leave with somebody else’s fictional crush.
What to expect:
- A cozy, neurodivergent-friendly discussion space
- Gentle structure with opt-in conversation
- Thoughtful discussion about love, community, relationships, and belonging
- Space for vulnerability, humor, differing perspectives, and personal reflection
- A welcoming environment where every voice is valued
The Deets: Lavender Library is a welcoming community discussion space centered around queer readers, thoughtful conversation, and stories that challenge, comfort, and inspire us. This time around for November, we’ll be discussing the Books That Made You Gay. All books are welcome, and we’ll be discussing our favorite first crushes and queer heroes together.
📚 Book: Bring Your Own Books That Made You Gay – let’s discuss those First Crushes & Queer Heroes together.
⏰ Time: Doors open at 7pm, conversation from 7:30pm to 9pm
🗓️ Date: November 12th, 2026
📍 Location: Wicked Eden, 2912 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
🎟️ Tickets: Free for Members, $5 for Non-Members
ticket Details:
DRESS CODE
When it comes to attire, anything goes at Wicked Eden, we want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure! Wicked Eden is a place where you can wear as much or as little as you desire. We want you to always feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever ways you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or amazing clothing that you never get a chance to wear anywhere else.
VOLUNTEERS
We LOVE volunteers! Join our team of community volunteers, and you will find new friends, a support system and a tight knit center of empowerment. Once you have obtained membership as above, please check out the volunteering section of The Autonomy Project website.
By volunteering with us you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes, and most importantly, collaborative input in what we do here. Your ideas are important to us, and as a volunteer, we want you to feel like you’re part of our community: one that celebrates who you are and supports your journey.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our community thrives in a space where countless delightful interactions could happen, but none are obligated to occur. Think of it as “high possibility, low expectations.” Outside of our general requirements of respect, you are under no obligation to interact with anyone in any particular way. This makes our space ideal for new faces and seasoned community members alike.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our events aren’t the product of one person hosting a party for pay; they’re the result of a community coming together and creating something new. Everyone who attends is expected to co-create: money, time, energy, enthusiasm, work, intention, example, concern and/or awareness. Have ideas, games, art, music to share? Want to bring them to life with us?
A FOUNDATION OF TRUST
Our gatherings are magical because of trust. We fiercely protect each member’s privacy, encourage honest risk communication, and take diligent care of our shared environments. It’s our collective respect and integrity that fortify this safe space.
CLEAR AND PRESENT CONSENT
Upholding consent goes beyond preventing harm; it’s about affirming everyone’s freedom to fully and joyfully agree to their interactions. It’s through this affirmation that our spaces thrive with genuine, unreserved participation.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We’re committed to inclusivity. Our community is a tapestry of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds, including all gender identities and expressions. We encourage everyone to engage with empathy and curiosity, always asking rather than assuming someone’s identity or preferences.
Our space is and always will be wheelchair accessible, with multiple spaces for varying sensory needs.
PLEASE NOTE:
No refunds will be given on ticket purchases. Address is provided to confirmed ticket holders after purchase. Wicked Eden is located on the south side of Columbus, approximately 10 minutes from downtown, and is one block away from a COTA bus stop.
ABOUT US
Wicked Eden is operated by The Autonomy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to education, community building, and empowerment for individuals within the alternative sexuality community, sex work industry, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can freely express their sexuality and gender identity without fear of discrimination, judgment, or violence.