A new queer bookshop is landing in Brighton, and we couldn’t be more excited. Just when we’ve witnessed multiple queer spaces close their doors over the last few months, Be Bold Books offers new hope. What started as just a far away idea is now becoming reality for founders Emma Lebedyeva and Shane Considine. We sat down with them mere days before the launch of their brand new website, and this is everything you need to know about Be Bold Books.
Let’s start from the beginning. How did Be Bold Books begin?
We met about 5 years ago, and that very first week we talked about how dreamy it would be to open a bookshop/cafe in the lanes of Brighton. “Imagine if we did this”, we said. That was the start of everything. Now, we’re married, and the dream is finally happening.
What happened in those 5 years that helped that dream come true?
Well, at first we had to move out of Brighton unfortunately. We didn’t want to, but we had to at that time. I got a job as a bookseller, then as an events manager, and the idea of having our own bookshop became more tangible as we slowly gained all the skills for it. So last October we finally decided to go for it.
What is the main goal for the bookshop?
We really just want to create a safe space for people, somewhere they can feel safe and affirmed and heard. We want it to be more than just a bookshop. It’ll be a space for people to hang out, gather, meet other queer people. We want it to be a third space, not just a business. This is especially crucial to younger queer people, people in their teens that might not have anywhere else to go.
Will you be hosting events?
Yes, absolutely. We want to hosts author events, open-mic nights, and community-focused events. We would also like to offer a ‘read and release’ corner, so that people can still use the reading space without needed to buy a book.
What kind of support are you looking for right now?
We just launched the online website, that was the first step. Now we’re crowdfunding so that we can open the physical shop in 2027.
Be Bold Books is now live, you can browse the store here, where you’ll find a curated selection of queer literature, their signature ‘Treat Yourself Package’ in collaboration with Bird&Blend, and personalised subscription boxes.
You can also support Emma and Shane by contributing to their crowdfunder, and get exclusive rewards like book vouchers, free drinks, and an invitation to their launch party.
Written by Roberta Guarini