The Quiet Revolution: Why Queer Publishing Matters in 2025-2026

As a teacher stepping into another school year, I'm watching the landscape around books and education shift in ways that honestly break my heart here in North America. Alberta just banned many LBGTQ+ books deemed as "sexually explicit" from school libraries as of October 1st, with teachers now tasked with reviewing collections and facing an oppressive effect on vulnerable students. Meanwhile, across North America, we're seeing unprecedented attacks on diverse literature, LGBTQ+ stories, and the very idea that all students deserve to see themselves reflected in what they read. How can anyone be against inclusivity? It is literally mind-boggling to me! (Anyways, before I get on a tangent...) The start of the school year has me thinking differently about what it means to be a queer publisher, educator, and advocate. Because when schools are removing the books that could save a kid's life, the ones that say "you're not alone, you're not broken, you're beautiful exactly as you are", then indie queer publishing isn't just important. It's essential.

Queer books aren't just stories. They're survival guides, joy maps, and history lessons. In 2025-2026, queer publishing, queer journals, and queer-made anything matter more than ever. They give us (and especially the young generations) a space to exist loudly, proudly, and authentically. Every time you pick up a book, wear a piece of Pride gear, or write in a queer-affirming journal, you're making the world a little queerer, and that's something worth celebrating! 🌈

Representation Saves Lives

I'll never forget the first time I read a queer book and thought, finally, I see myself. How natural and non-harmful it felt to be reading this story. (I went to a French Catholic school, IYKYK.) That moment of recognition is powerful, and it doesn't just happen in books. It happens when you sip coffee from a queer mug, when you journal with affirmations written just for you, when you track your journey and celebrate your successes, when you wear a t-shirt or accessory that says, without apology: I'm here, I'm queer, and I'm not going anywhere.

That's the quiet revolution I want to build together.

Why This Matters Now

Because honestly? I don't want to live in a world where people feel unsafe being their authentic selves simply for living and loving outside of heteronormative standards. We cannot afford to take any more steps backwards, not in 2025, not ever.

Politics should never interfere with living and loving loudly, and I am over it. Despite what the orange blob is spreading all over the North American continent, we will continue to grow, thrive, and spread joy and love (of any kind we want) throughout the world. Because we are everywhere. We always have been and always will be!

Building an Ecosystem of Joy

I'm a big believer in "no harm, no foul." If queer folks are hurting no one, why can't we be left alone to thrive? Why can't we take joy in our books, our stories, our gear, our community? Why can't we have the same privilege as others to walk with our heads held high? And all without fear for simply being ourselves?

Lavender Library Press was born from that belief. Yes, we publish books, but it's not just about publishing. It's about creating a whole ecosystem of queer joy where we are seen, heard, valued, and most importantly, just part of the social norm. It's about queerifying the everyday, turning even the smallest ritual into a moment of affirmation:

• Queer collections and journals that help you reflect and heal

• Curated book recommendations that celebrate our stories

• Partnerships with small businesses and allies that remind you to play and enjoy life

• Handmade goodies and accessories that let you wear your pride

• Stories that prove we've always been here and always will be

  
  

I love to think of it as a quiet but unstoppable revolution: some books, some tools, some love, and a whole community of wonderful queers. That's how change happens. That's how we grow stronger together.

So here's to 2025-2026

So here's to queer publishing in 2025-2026. Here's to creating, resisting, loving, and laughing. And here's to building a world where being yourself is just a social norm.

The revolution is quiet, but it's unstoppable. And it starts with each of us choosing authenticity: one book, one queer goodie, one proud moment at a time.