I try not to review books that are not easy to get, but sometimes I must. This just means you, other dear readers, need to find a library, interlibrary loan or a preloved website or shop. But rarely (if ever) does that mean to go to a specific bookstore because I have never seen it anywhere else.
Queer Haven Books is (according to their website) South Carolina’s only independent, queer bookstore. Shop Queer Haven Books for books, sit down with a cup of coffee, read a queer book, play a queer game, and build a queer community. I found them in an email newsletter saying they had just opened. I went to their website, and found several items I knew I couldn’t locate elsewhere, took a shot and ordered a makeup/pencil bag, a few button pins, a bookmark and The Pocket Guide To LGBTQIA+ Identities.
It is far from a complete guide of identities, but there were identities and flags I hadn’t heard of before, some refreshed my memory and some were classics. They mentioned three different types of rainbow flags (progressive, inclusive, and old school rainbow) and even had a few spots for ones you want to add. It is a little pamphlet or zine (they sell those, too) but it has a lot of neat stuff included. I think it would be great for introduction purposes for family and friends, for a classroom, or even a therapist or doctor’s office.
Unfortunately, I will not be making a pilgrimage to the physical shop anytime soon, but I would like to as the greeting cards shown on the website were interesting to say the least and I would like to look at their keychains (I was thinking of getting some for a polyamorous friend of mine and his partner), not to mention their local art and other goodies. My most pleasant experience with them makes me want to prompt other websites and never-been-to-before stores now.