This year we’re reading exciting new queer novels and queer classics to start conversations about gender identity, sexuality and navigating queer life in general.

On Monday, October 13, the Queer Book Club will gather for a special coming out day session. At this meeting, we will read Ali Smith’s poetic novel Autumn, a novel about intergenerational connections, political dishonesty and forgotten women artists.

In the wake of the Brexit referendum, Elizabeth visits her 70 years older neighbor, Daniel and they strike up a close friendships. During their conversations, they reminisce about the parallels between the Brexit campaign and Profumo Scandal of the 1960s and they talk about the only woman in British Pop Art, Pauline Boty. Smith seduces the reader with poetic language that sucks the reader into a deep reflection about post-truth politics.

The session is chaired by Looi van Kessel, assistant professor of literary studies and gender studies at Leiden University. The sessions of the queer book club will be held in English.

Participation is free of charge, but please register via the following link: