PAST EVENT: This was part of the 2024 programme

Through A Lavender Lens: Celebrating the Legacy of Scotland’s First LGBTQ+ Book Shop

Forty-two years have passed since Sigrid Nielsen and Bob Orr opened Scotland’s first lesbian and gay book shop, Lavender Menace. This book shop was more than a shop; it was a sanctuary where queer individuals could find literature that reflected their lives and struggles, yet like many independent LGBTQ+ book shops, Lavender Menace by then known as West & Wilde closed in 1997. 20 years later, it reopened as The Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive, preserving the rich history of queer literature and activism in Scotland.

The rebirth of Lavender Menace highlights the ongoing need to protect the legacy of queer history and celebrate it. While Sigrid and Bob are still involved with Lavender Menace, the archive’s heart and soul continues through its many staff and volunteers – and those to come. EAF24 celebrated the legacy of Lavender Menace and the individuals who have made its revival possible.

Edinburgh Zine Library held a pop-up on 21st August 2024 as part of this exhibition, where guests could read their curated pick of zines on all things queer and literary.

This exhibition has been co-curated by Ellis Clay as part of EAF24’s Civic Programme. Lavender Menace photographed by Jules Lacave-Fontourcy and Zoe Robertson, with a film by Mitchell Morton. With many thanks to Lavender Menace staff and volunteers for their support and involvement within this project.