University Libraries' Queer Book Club: September Discussion
Event box

The University Libraries' Queer Book Club, in partnership with the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), will be meeting to discuss September's queer book pick, Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest to Track Down the Last Remaining Lesbian Bars in America by Krista Burton. Join us as we discuss key themes of the book, what we loved, what we didn't love, and more!
Can't wait until the end of the month to start discussing the book? Join us over on the Queer Book Club Discussion channel via Discord to get a jump start!
Registration is not required but is greatly appreciated.
- Date:
- Monday, September 29, 2025
- Time:
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Vault Meeting Room (LI B45)
- Campus:
- The Uptown Campus
- Audience:
- Faculty and Staff Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- Categories:
- Programs
Event Registration Only
More About September's Book Selection:
"Lesbian bars have always been treasured safe spaces for their customers, providing not only a good time but a shelter from societal alienation and outright persecution. In 1987, there were 206 of them in America. Today, only a couple dozen remain. How and why did this happen? What has been lost--or possibly gained--by such a decline? What transpires when marginalized communities become more accepted and mainstream? In Moby Dyke Krista Burton attempts to answer these questions firsthand, venturing on an epic cross-country pilgrimage to the last few remaining dyke bars. Her pilgrimage includes taking in her first drag show since the onset of the pandemic at The Back Door in Bloomington, Indiana; competing in dildo races at Houston's Pearl Bar; and, despite her deep-seated hatred of karaoke, joining a group serenade at Nashville's Lipstick Lounge and enjoying the dreaded pastime for the first time in her life. While Burton sets out on the excursion to assess the current state of lesbian bars, she also winds up examining her own personal journey, from coming out to her Mormon parents to recently marrying her husband, a trans man whose presence on the trip underscores the important conversation about who precisely is welcome in certain queer spaces--and how they and their occupants continue to evolve. Moby Dyke is an insightful and hilarious travelogue that celebrates the kind of community that can only be found in windowless rooms soundtracked by Britney Spears-heavy playlists and illuminated by overhead holiday lights no matter the time of year."-- Provided by publisher.
What is Queer Book Club?
The Queer Book Club was formed as a collaborative effort between the University Libraries and the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). This inclusive and welcoming space is dedicated to exploring the diverse narratives within the LGBTQ+ spectrum through the lens of literature. Join us monthly for engaging discussions, thoughtful reflections, and an opportunity to connect with fellow book enthusiasts who share a passion for queer literature. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally seeking to broaden your perspectives, our Queer Book Club provides a platform to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences.