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LGBTQ+ Centered Stories and Histories
At Just-As-You-Are Rainbow Sanctuary, we believe that stories can be sacred. They remind us that our lives have meaning, that we are part of something larger, and that hope can be found even in the quiet corners of a book. Our LGBTQ+ Lending Library was created to share those stories. It offers a growing collection of queer-affirming fiction and nonfiction written for both teens and adults. Some of the books explore identity and coming out, while others focus on love, friendship, spirituality, and the everyday beauty of being ourselves.

This project came to life thanks to a generous $3,000 grant from the Trusler Foundation. We have dedicated $1,500 of that support specifically to building the lending library so that anyone in our community can have access to affirming books, free of charge. We have already spent about $330 through used bookstores to make the most of our funds and to bring in a wide range of titles. Each book is carefully chosen to reflect queer experiences with honesty, compassion, and joy.

Our shelves are beginning to fill with books that speak to many different parts of queer life. You might find Billy Porter’s memoir “Unprotected”, the beautiful anthology “Queer Magic”, or “This Is How It Feels” by Craig Womack. There are also deeply personal stories like “Loud and Proud”, “Transitions”, and “Two Sides Now” that explore what it means to live authentically. For those who enjoy fiction, we have titles like “The Terraformers” by Annalee Newitz, “The Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo, and Becky Chambers’ tender “A Psalm for the Wild-Built”. For younger readers or anyone who loves a heartfelt story, the full set of “Heartstopper” graphic novels and “Loveless” by Alice Oseman are also part of our growing collection.
Our library is still small, but it is already something special. The shelves hold a mix of memoirs, novels, poetry, and thoughtful nonfiction that invite readers to see themselves reflected and to learn about others in the LGBTQ+ community. It is a quiet space where people can find comfort, representation, and inspiration. As we continue to grow, we will keep adding more voices, more perspectives, and more stories that remind us of our shared humanity.
If you visit Rainbow Sanctuary, you are welcome to browse, borrow, and explore. You might find a story that feels like home, or one that opens your heart in a new way. Our lending library is still taking shape, and we are excited to watch it grow with the help of our community and the continued kindness of supporters like the Trusler Foundation.
We also welcome donations of gently used LGBTQ+ books or financial gifts to help us continue expanding the collection. Every contribution helps us bring more stories of hope, love, and identity to the people who need them most. If you would like to donate books or support this project, please reach out to us through our Contact page or visit us in person during open hours.
(Photos: Our lending library in its early days, a small beginning filled with hope and possibility.)

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Please consider donating to help us provide support for the Emporia LGBTQ+ community