From July 3rd to 6th, 2025, Aesop’s Queer Library returned to the brand’s Soho store on Lexington Street, reimagining the retail space as a sanctuary for literature, identity, and self-expression. For the duration of this annual Pride initiative, the skincare brand removed all its products, replacing them with complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors, creating a welcoming, thought-provoking atmosphere grounded in community.
This year’s Queer Library was curated in close partnership with Gay’s The Word bookshop, the UK’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bookshop and a cherished institution in queer literary circles. With the support of Gay’s The Word bookshop, the library showcased a wide selection of voices across generations and genres—from seminal essays to contemporary memoirs. Every title was carefully chosen to reflect the evolving spectrum of queer experiences, emphasizing the importance of platforming LGBTQIA+ authors from diverse cultural and gender backgrounds.
A particular highlight of the 2025 edition was Marsha, a moving work by artist and activist Tourmaline dedicated to Marsha P. Johnson. Visitors could take home a hardcover edition or enjoy the audiobook version through Aesop’s collaboration with HarperCollins and Xigxag. Alongside Marsha, readers discovered works by celebrated LGBTQIA+ authors such as Audre Lorde, Dean Atta, Charlie Porter, and Shon Faye—all handpicked in collaboration with Gay’s The Word bookshop.
The event extended beyond literature. Guests participated in a poetic card game inspired by Aesop’s fable The North Wind and the Sun, encouraging spontaneous storytelling through whimsical prompts. An audio booth within the space offered a moment of quiet reflection, featuring a poem read by Ocean Vuong—another celebrated voice among LGBTQIA+ authors.
As the books were gifted and the scent of Aesop’s signature blends returned to the space, the Queer Library once again left its mark—not only as a pop-up, but as a powerful tribute to LGBTQIA+ authors and to the enduring importance of allies like Gay’s The Word bookshop.
Photography and videos courtesy of AESOP