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portalbookshop.bsky.social
The Portal Bookshop
@portalbookshop.bsky.social
2.8K followers 370 following 240 posts
Sci-fi, fantasy, & LGBTQIA. Queer resistance. Always trying to help. Portalbookshop@gmail.com Mon-Sat 10-5.30, Sun 11-5:30; 5 Patrick Pool, York, UK

Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lalidoesbooks
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portalbookshop.bsky.social
Here to support the heterosexual community at @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social

I'm an ally 🫡
A tiny box of sci-fi books on the floor next to a bookcase, with a handwritten sign on the box reading "Heterosexual books! 10% off!"
November 1, 2025 at 10:50 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Alright @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social, we are ready 🫡 You can start now
The Portal Bookshop stall, laden with so many books
October 30, 2025 at 1:13 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
New window display, for no reason at all 🫡
Bookcase in the window of Portal, showing 9 books, titled in order: This is how I fight Unbroken You don't have what it takes to be my nemesis I was born for this Not for the faint of heart Something to be proud of I hope we choose love We make it better I wish you all the best
October 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Got some new badges 👀
A corkboard absolutely chock full of small and large badges covering disability rights, trans inclusion, antifascist action, neurodiversity, and a wide variety of LGBTQ+ identities, plus some for allies
October 19, 2025 at 11:03 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Asexual bouquet! I still don't quite know what merited flowers but happy bookshop day to us I guess :)
An asexual bouquet of flowers, with white, off white, Imperial purple and deep purple flowers
October 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Absolute 100/10 move from @titanbooks.bsky.social, delightful. Got back from surgery recovery to find an info pack with all their upcoming queer releases, plus some bookmarks and bits!

Spectacular, I love it, this is the ultimate ADHD friendly marketing, can everyone else please do this too 😂
A fanned array of pages and pages and pages of info sheets about individual books being published by Titan this year, showing glimpses of the covers
July 10, 2025 at 11:04 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Mean Girls meme, text reading: So you agree? Her beliefs are anti-trans and nothing to do with women's rights
June 18, 2025 at 2:33 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Today's #LGBTplusHM25 events include some fun short talks at the cafe, which you can get involved with too if there's something you want to share with people ❤️
February 23 LGBTQ+ Stories on Stage - Monologue & Scene Workshop - 10am Location: Theatre 41, Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB Step into the spotlight and explore the power of LGBTQ+ stories through this dynamic monologue and scene workshop. Led by professional actors Dan Poppitt and Josh Woodgate, this creative session invites participants to practice and perform material that celebrates LGBTQ+ activism and identity. Contact: charlie@inspiredbytheatre.co.uk February 23 Nowt So Queer As York - A Literary Walk - 2pm Location: Starting point: Statue of William Etty outside the York Art Gallery Discover York's queer literary heritage on this walk, exploring connections to figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley, the Bronte sisters, Oscar Wilde, and W.H. Auden. Uncover the places where these writers visited, stayed, and wrote, while delving into their complex relationships with identity and sexuality. From Shelley's rebellious streak to the Brontes' enigmatic connections, Wilde's wit, and Auden's exploration of desire, this walk offers a fresh perspective on York's literary history. Contact: ryanstephenthornton@gmail.com February 23 Special Interest Sunday - 6.30pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. A series of 20 min talks on anything you want! Three speakers a night with questions and breaks in-between! A TV will be available for visual aids. Drop in to listen, or sign up to give a talk via the event poster, available in OTR or via our Instagram. Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com
February 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Events for #LGBTplusHM25 today!
February 22 Creative Non-binary and Transgender History - 9.30am Location: York Travellers Trust, Falsgrave Crescent, YO30 7AZ Generate Creative workshop for the whole family over 10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come join us for an exciting event celebrating the diverse history of non-binary and transgender individuals! This in-person event will be held at York Travellers Trust, where we will explore your personal history. From art to activism, this event will let you creatively design art. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate together! This event is open to friends and family of Generate. Donations welcome up to £7. All people attending need tickets. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1119736976439 or contact hello@generate.org.uk for the link February 22 Dance with Pride - Cabaret - Musical Theatre Dance Workshop - 7.15pm Location: Theatre 41, Monkgate, York Immerse yourself in the world of Rent as part of Inspired By Theatre's Dance With Pride series, celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month. This 90-minute workshop invites you to embrace self-expression, activism, and the art of storytelling through dance. Contact: charlie@inspiredbytheatre.co.uk February 22 Footsteps of Pride: An LGBTQ+ History Walk - 1pm Location: Meet outside York Explore Join us for Footsteps of Pride, a guided walking tour exploring the rich and vibrant history of the LGBTQ+ community. Discover the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped our present. Contact: jake.furby@yorklgbtforum.org February 22 Shanty & Folk Singing - 6.30pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York Y01 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Gather round and join the song! A friendly evening of shanties, folk, and more! Some lyric sheets will be provided, but most are taught on the spot or picked up on the fly! Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com
February 22, 2025 at 12:56 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Loads of events on tomorrow for #LGBTplusHM25, including the return of our lunchtime philosophy sessions at the cafe, and a beginners' intro to our regular D&D groups!
Events text: February 12 Symposium - 12noon -2pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Community philosophy lessons! Providing a base understanding of various topics such as ethics, knowledge, or even existence itself. No previous knowledge required, only a keen mind willing to learn! Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com February 12 Generate Outreach at York St John University - 3pm - 5pm Location: York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk Have you any questions about your gender or would like some information for a family member? Are you a student needing support. Please come along to our drop in at YSJ Uni, or drop along at the lounge (student union). Contact: Please contact hello@generate.org.uk for more details. February 12 Beginner Friendly D&D Adventurer's League - 6.30pm Location: Portal Bookshop, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. LGBTQ+ Bookshop and safe space and community hub in central York. If you've ever wanted to start rolling dice and battling dragons, come along to these sessions! Running as part of the AL, two tables will be running to get you up to speed on adventuring. Premade character sheets provided as needed. Tickets £6 via OTR in person, or online. Events text: February 12 York Socials - LGBTQ+ History Month Special - 6.30pm Location: York Travellers Trust, Falsgrave Crescent, YO30 7AZ Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with York's LGBTQ+ Socials! Mingle and make new friends within York's vibrant LGBTQ+ community at our regular Coffee Social events, happening every Wednesday evening throughout LGBTQ+ History Month! Held at York Travellers Trust. These gatherings offer a welcoming and safe space to connect with like-minded individuals, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea!). The best part? It's completely free to attend, and everyone is warmly welcome! Contact: jake.furby@yorklgbtforum.org for more info. P.S. Don't forget about our Northallerton social happening on the second Monday of each month! For details contact: jake.furby@yorkigbtforum.org February 12 York City Football Club Ladies vs Middlesbrough Women - Football vs Homophobia - 7.45pm Kick Off Location: York Community Stadium, YO32 9AF| York City Football Club Foundation would like to celebrate the upcoming ladies' matchday as our FvH fixture to raise awareness of the campaign again this year by offering up to 50 tickets through the LGBT Forum. The dedicated game represents our commitment to the LGBT Community of York and surrounding areas. Please buy tickets on the website. Contact: inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk
February 11, 2025 at 7:50 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Tarot night at the cafe tonight, everyone welcome from the curious to the confident!
Text: February 6 Tarot Evening - 6.30pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York Y01 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Whether you're spiritual or simply wishing for some guided introspection time, come along for some peer-to-peer tarot readings. Whether you're experienced or entirely new, all are welcome. Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com
February 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
More #LGBTplusHM25 events tomorrow. We have a tarot night at the cafe!
Events text: February 6 Tarot Evening - 6.30pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Whether you're spiritual or simply wishing for some guided introspection time, come along for some peer-to-peer tarot readings. Whether you're experienced or entirely new, all are welcome. Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com February 6 Open Table - LGBTQ+ Church Service - 7.30pm Location: All Saints Parish Church, High St, Northallerton DL7 8DJ A safe and sacred space for LGBTQIA + Christians and all who seek an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming Church in Northallerton and the surrounding area. We celebrate diversity, honour each individual's journey of faith, and strive to create a community where all can feel loved, respected, and valued. Whether you are seeking spiritual nourishment, fellowship, or simply a place to be yourself, you are warmly invited to join us as we worship and grow together in faith and love. Contact: jake.furby@yorkigbtforum.org February 6 Rainbow Choir - 7.30pm Location: York St. John University Join us every Thursday at 7pm, at York St John University. We are a relaxed welcoming community LGBTQ+ choir (open to allies too!) More events announced soon, please go to Queer Arts socials for more! Contact: Rachel@queerarts.co.uk
February 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Today's #LGBTplusHM25 events! Ethics and philosophy discussion at the cafe over lunch, and the LGBT Forum's fantastic social meet this evening
Ads text: February 5 Symposium - 12noon -2pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Community philosophy lessons! Providing a base understanding of various topics such as ethics, knowledge, or even existence itself. No previous knowledge required, only a keen mind willing to learn! Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com February 5 York Socials - LGBTQ+ History Month Special - 6.30pm Location: York Travellers Trust, Falsgrave Crescent, YO30 7AZ Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with York's LGBTQ+ Socials! Mingle and make new friends within York's vibrant LGBTQ+ community at our regular Coffee Social events, happening every Wednesday evening throughout LGBTQ+ History Month! Held at York Travellers Trust. These gatherings offer a welcoming and safe space to connect with like-minded individuals, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea!). The best part? It's completely free to attend, and everyone is warmly welcome! Contact: jake.furby@yorkIgbtforum.org for more info. P.S. Don't forget about our Northallerton social happening on the second Monday of each month! For details contact: jake.furby@yorkigbtforum.org
February 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Coming up on Friday, we've got a movie night here! The theme this week will be LGBTQ+ History

Suggestions so far are:
Pride
The Favourite
Paris Is Burning

Hit me up with suggestions and votes :) Will we see you there?

#LGBTplusHM25
Ad text: February 7 Movie Night (LGBTQ+ History) - 6.30pm Location: Over The Rainbow Café, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. Non-profit (CIC) LGBTQ+ café. Event space, community hub, café. Our movie nights make a return! This week our genre will be LGBTQ+ history! You choose the movie! Suggest and vote at OTR Café, the winner will be announced a week prior! Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: otrcafeyork@gmail.com
February 4, 2025 at 11:07 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Two things on for #LGBTplusHM2025 today!

We've got a gaggle of creative professionals from a variety of fields (artist, writer, voice actor, more) talking about their experiences and advice at the bookshop at 6:30 tonight

And Generate have their members only support group, info in pic!
Text of ads: LGBTQ+ Professional Creatives Panel - 6.30pm Location: Portal Bookshop, 5 Patrick Pool, York Y01 8BB .LGBTQ+ Bookshop and safe space and community hub in central York Hear from local talented professional creatives on how they've developed their craft, and made money from a creative passion. Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged. Contact: portalbookshop@gmail.com February 3 Generate 18+ York Support group in-person - 7.30pm -9.30pm Generate provides an in-person support group for transgender, non-binary and gender questioning adults. The face to face groups are held first Monday of the month in York, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. To become a member please contact hello@generate.org.uk for more information. Contact: hello@generate.org.uk
February 3, 2025 at 11:28 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
It's LGBT+ History Month here in the UK, and in York we have over 60 events throughout February!

Here's tonight's selection! Hope to see some of you at a few of these :)
Text of the ads: February 1 LGBTQ+ History Talks - 6.30pm - late Location: Portal bookshop, 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB. LGBTQ+ Bookshop and safe space and community hub in central York To launch the month's events we've asked a number of speakers to deliver talks on their areas of expertise in LGBTQ+ history. Free attendance, though support via café sales or donations is encouraged Contact: portalbookshop@gmail.com February 1 Haus of Games - 8pm Location: York Theatre Royal - The Old Paint Shop Join the queens of comedy "The Isolation Creations' for a Saturday evening of fun, games, bingo, daft prizes, and a party atmosphere like no other! Live at York Theatre Royal "Brilliant fun! Lots of laughs" "A camp fest of fun" "Laugh until your ribs ache" "A riot from start to finish" Don't come expecting RuPaul's Drag Race: our drag is saucy, rough around the edges and a whole lot of fun! Mash up Larry Grayson's Generation Game with Julian Clary's Sticky and add a dash of Lily Savage and a sprinkling of Dick Emery and you get The Haus of Games! *Note this is an adults only event Cost: £15.00 - book at Theatre Royal box office Organised by. The Isolation Creations Contact: jamie.honeybourne@gmail.com February 1 outsidelN - Celebration of LGBT + History Month - 7pm Location: St Luke's Church Hall, Shipton Street, York, Y030 7AU. An evening to celebrate some LGBT+ people involved in activism/social change including three short talks interspersed with music and poetry. Light refreshments provided. Contact: dave.pownall56@outlook.com
February 1, 2025 at 11:24 AM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Focusing on small joys this week: the badge maker is fixed and our fabulous work experience student made this one on her first go!

It's (literally) the little things
A badge with a smiley face in the background and collaged text reading "She Will Rise Again"
January 21, 2025 at 12:43 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Thought you might like to see this shelf today
A shelf of the Horror/Gothic section at Portal, with The Crows and Thirteenth by CM Rosens prominently featured
January 14, 2025 at 4:05 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
My god it's true, they actually exist!
Finally, copies of Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao, sequel to Iron Widow, have graced our shelves after our wholesaler held them hostage for a while
January 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Lali holding a giant rainbow "It's my birthday" badge in front of Portal's stall
September 17, 2023 at 3:03 PM
portalbookshop.bsky.social
Looking cute at Wolds Pride!
The Portal stall in Pocklington, many books laid out across the tables
September 17, 2023 at 10:52 AM