GOSHH LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club offers space to relax, chat, and discover new favourites

GOSHH LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club offers space to relax, chat, and discover new favourites

GOSHH is inviting LGBTQIA+ teens and allies aged 15 – 17 to join its LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club, a relaxed and welcoming space where queer stories, fun hangouts and genuine connection take centre stage

Launched during Limerick Pride Week 2025, the GOSHH LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club was created in direct response to young people looking for inclusive and relaxed ways to meet others and see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

The LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club meets once a month to read books that focus on LGBTQIA+ characters and experiences. The club runs both in person and online, giving young people the option to join in however they feel most comfortable. Each month features a different book, with genres ranging from fantasy, sci-fi and graphic novels to romance and contemporary stories. No two months are ever the same, and members are encouraged to help shape the club by suggesting books that they would like to read in the future.

February’s upcoming book club pick was chosen by the group themselves: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, a popular young adult novel following a trans Latino teen as he navigates family, magic and identity. It’s full of humour, emotion, and moments that spark great conversations.

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The emphasis of the club is on enjoyment. Teens can read as much or as little of the book as they like before each meetup. Whether someone finishes the book cover to cover or only dips into a few chapters, they’re always welcome. Discussions are casual and inclusive, with conversations covering favourite characters, big moments, plot twists, and how the stories made people feel.

Each meetup is designed to feel like a fun and cozy hangout. Alongside book chats, there are drinks and snacks, fun book themed merch such as stickers and bookmarks, and occasional special events including book to movie nights and book swaps. GOSHH also has plans to introduce even more creative and social activities throughout the year.

GOSHH CEO, Verena Tarpey, shared the importance of the initiative, “No matter where you are on your journey, this book club is for you. It offers young people a chance to explore identity, self-acceptance and joy through LGBTQIA+ stories, while connecting with others in a safe and supportive space. Representation matters and seeing yourself reflected in books can be incredibly powerful. You don’t need to have all the answers or even read the whole book. Just come along, meet like-minded people, and enjoy being part of a safe and affirming community.”

The LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club is supported by GOSHH’s free LGBTQIA+ library, a collaborative project with Limerick City Library. The GOSHH library contains hundreds of LGBTQIA+ books available for anyone to take at any time. The library includes a dedicated young adult and teen section, giving young people ongoing access to stories that reflect their identities and experiences.

One of the most exciting parts of the programme is that every member receives a free copy of the book each month on loan through the library, removing financial barriers and making the club accessible to as many young people as possible.

By combining free books, inclusive spaces and youth led choice, GOSHH’s LGBTQIA+ Teen Book Club aims to create a sense of belonging for young people while celebrating queer voices and stories.

Teens interested in joining, or parents and guardians looking for more information are encouraged to get in touch with GOSHH directly.