Turning the page on safe spaces: Aesop’s Queer Library

Published by
Aleesha Callahan
March 1, 2022

Welcoming all walks of life, Aesop has turned its Fitzroy and Paddington stores into Queer Libraries to align with Australia’s Pride festivities.

Aligning with Pride celebrations in both Sydney and Melbourne, Aesop has launched a Queer Library to elevate queer voices and promote diversity and acceptance.

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Following successful iterations in Canada, the UK, Taiwan and the US, Australia has now joined the fold. All product has been removed and the shelves are stocked with over 5,000 books from a range of over 60 unique LGBTQIA+ authors. The gesture sets out to raise awareness on queer issues while supporting marginalised voices.

Aesop Paddington, photography by Tom Ferguson.

Melbourne’s Fitzroy store was transformed into a temporary library at the beginning of February, and Sydney’s Paddington store is currently playing host to a slew of tomes until Tuesday 1 March, where visitors are invited to pick up a complimentary book.

The initiative aligns with Aesop’s long-standing philanthropic ventures that support literature and writing, including a partnership with The Paris Review and the establishment of the Aesop Foundation.

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Aesop Fitzroy store.

The Queer Library will continue this tradition with a particular emphasis on the varied experiences of the Queer community in Australia.

Visitors can peruse fiction, non-fiction and poetry from a selection of authors including Benjamin Law, Indigenous author Gary Lonesborough and Jazz Money, a poet and filmmaker of Wiradjuri heritage.

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The Aesop Queer Library is an ephemeral activation that demonstrates the ability of literature to unite, liberate and empower. It’s a truly safe space for people from all walks of life.

Paddington store, photography by Tom Ferguson.
Aesop’s Paddington store, photography by Tom Ferguson.
Fitzroy.

Aesop Sydney Queer Library runs at the Paddington store until Tuesday 1 March.

Aesop
aesop.com

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