LGBT+ Owned and Allied Denver Book Stores

Denver’s literary scene is a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ readers and writers alike. Bookstores in The Mile High City serve as more than just places to discover literature; they’re vital spaces for fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating queer voices. As safe havens for expression and community engagement, Denver’s bookstores play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, making them essential to the city’s cultural landscape. 

LGBTQ+-Owned and Allied Denver Bookstores

When it comes to Denver bookstores that cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, two establishments stand out for their unique contributions and atmospheres.

Petals & Pages

Located in the lively Capitol Hill neighborhood, Petals & Pages is a delightful fusion of a queer bookstore and a flower shop. This Denver bookstore is more than just a place to find your next read; it serves as a community hub that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Situated at 1234 E. Colfax Ave., the inviting space features a carefully curated selection of feminist and queer literature, all while enveloping patrons in the delightful scent of fresh flowers. With a cozy reading nook and regular events like poetry nights, it’s become a beloved gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t miss their monthly “Queer Book Club” and “Drag Queen Storytime,” which are always popular.

Mutiny Information Café

Next up is Mutiny Information Café, a beloved South Broadway fixture that has been part bookstore, part coffee shop, and part community hub. However, after more than a decade at its current location, Mutiny will close its doors on September 22, 2024, to relocate to a new space in Englewood, just a few miles away. The move comes as the café faces rising rents and a changing neighborhood, prompting the owners to seek a fresh start. The new location, set to open on October 4, will be slightly smaller but promises to focus on comics, coffee, and community, all while maintaining the atmosphere that fans have come to love.

Category Six Bookstore (Historical)

Although now closed, Category Six holds a significant place in the history of Denver bookstores. Established in 1982, it was the first gay-oriented bookstore in the city, providing a crucial space for queer visibility when such representation was scarce. For over three decades, Category Six served as a lifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking both literature and community. The bookstore transitioned to an online platform before ultimately closing its doors, but its impact on Denver’s LGBTQ+ literary scene remains undeniable.

Tattered Cover

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Tattered Cover. This Denver staple has been around since 1971, but boy, has it hit some rough patches lately. In October 2023, Tattered Cover filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, sending shockwaves through the literary community. Fast forward to June 2024, and the plot thickens: Barnes & Noble swooped in with plans to buy Tattered Cover for $1.83 million. It’s like watching your favorite character in a book series go through a really rough patch, only to be saved by an unexpected ally in the final chapter.

But Tattered Cover is more than just its financial woes. It’s a Denver institution, known for its impressive author events, cozy reading nooks, and staff picks that are always on point. Despite the changes, Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt promises to keep Tattered Cover’s “heart and soul” intact, including its name and programming. The store will keep its four current locations open: the flagship on Colfax, Union Station, Aspen Grove Shopping Center in Littleton, and Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. So while the ownership might be changing, the spirit of Tattered Cover – that cool, quirky aunt of Denver’s literary scene – lives on.