Publishers Weekly profiles new LGBTQ+ bookstores opening across the US despite book bans and anti-trans legislation - owners pitching events, safety, and programming as core to the business, not sidelines.
The piece captures the economic and emotional tightrope: indies still face rent and burnout, but community ties can keep doors open when pure foot traffic wobbles. For readers, it's a useful list of shops to prioritize on road trips; for writers, it's a map of where local events might still welcome queer work.
(Shortened and summarised to avoid devaluing the source)