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Ep. 163: The QT Library: Building Boston’s Queer & Trans Community Living Room
Episode 163
Published 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Description
In this episode:
- What The QT Library is: a queer/trans-authored and curated collection + a welcoming, physical community space in Boston
- The mission: no book bans, more belonging—and a library that feels like warmth, whimsy, and joy
- Why libraries matter: “you already know what a library is” — and that familiarity makes access easier
- A Boston reality check: expensive city, limited space… and the need for free, shared community infrastructure
- Intergenerational magic: creating a space where queer youth and queer elders connect naturally
- Virtual programming stays: the QT Library’s online events are thriving—and they’ll continue even after a physical opening
- Community-built from scratch: the surprising range of ways people have contributed (from marketing plans to plastic book covers)
- What Jake’s learned about community:
- you will mess up—values + repair matter
- everyone’s interesting if you ask better questions
- gratitude is a culture-builder (the Monday Meeting gratitude tradition)
- Why “substance-free” matters: expanding access beyond bars/clubs—especially for youth, families, and anyone who wants community without alcohol
- Boston’s volunteer spirit: how the city’s service culture could help power the library forward
- Reality check: this is not “a few books on a shelf”—it’s a growing, organized, legit operation
- The goal: Jake’s dream to open a physical space in summer 2026
- How you can help: donate, volunteer, share the project, spread the word
Learn more / Donate / Volunteer: https://www.qtlibrary.org/
Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ
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