Let’s be honest: you don’t actually need an excuse to buy more books. But if you did, supporting queer-owned indie bookshops is about as good as it gets. We’re talking spots where every shelf shines with stories you won’t find at the airport newsstand, where community is more than a buzzword, and where your book haul actually does some real good.
So, whether you’re a local or just passing through the Pacific Northwest, here are 10 queer-owned indie bookshops that deserve a spot on your map. Ready for a bookstore crawl? Let’s go.
1. Charlie’s Queer Books (Fremont, Seattle)
Once a disco book cart, now a brick-and-mortar haven for queer lit, Charlie’s is pure joy. The mission? Build community, celebrate intersectionality, and spread happiness—one paperback at a time. If you’re looking for a place where everyone belongs, start here.
2. Nook & Cranny Books (University Heights, Seattle)
Tiny but mighty, Nook & Cranny lifts up underrepresented voices from all over the world. Swing by for open mics, book clubs, and a little literary whimsy. It’s the kind of shop where you pop in for one book and end up with an armful (plus a few new friends).
3. Elliott Bay Book Company (Capitol Hill, Seattle)
A legend for a reason. With more than 150,000 titles, daily author events, and deep roots in the community, Elliott Bay is a staple for Seattle readers. It’s woman- and queer-owned, and it’s the place to lose yourself for an afternoon—just don’t forget to check out the staff picks.
4. Outsider Comics (Fremont, Seattle)
Ever thought comics weren’t your thing? Outsider Comics is here to prove you wrong. Intensely curated, aggressively queer, and delightfully chaotic, this shop is as much about belonging as it is about superheroes.
5. Main St. Books (Monroe, WA)
Woman- and queer-owned long before it was trendy, Main St. Books is a cozy spot filled mostly with used books, a sprinkle of new releases, and Miranda the cat, who takes her job as shop greeter seriously. Come for the fiction, stay for the feline.
6. Grit City Books (Tacoma, WA)
The newcomer on the shelf, Grit City Books is bursting with light and heart. Their shelves are packed with stories reflecting the richness of queer and underrepresented voices, and the vibe is pure “welcome home.”
7. Bishop & Wilde (Portland, OR)
Books, vinyl, ephemera, and a pet-friendly policy that puts everyone at ease—this lesbian-owned shop inside Tin House is a treasure chest for anyone who loves the hunt. The curation is top-notch, and the atmosphere is as cool as it gets.
8. Spoke & Word Books (Milwaukie, OR)
Spoke & Word is a celebration, plain and simple. Queer, Black, fat, disabled, and Indigenous lives are all front and center here, and the book selection will make both your heart and your brain do little happy jumps.
9. Broadway Books (Portland, OR)
Serving Portland since 1992, Broadway Books is both queer-owned and beloved by locals. New titles, thoughtful gifts, and truly warm service make it a must-stop. Also: free gift wrap. If that’s not a love language, we don’t know what is.
10. Books With Pictures (Portland, OR)
This comics shop was built for inclusivity. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do you have any stories with someone like me in them?”—the answer here is always yes. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home, no matter who you are.
So, what do you say? Bookstore crawl, anyone?
Happy reading, and happy supporting local!