Fort Collin’s BookStore on the Square Hosts Local LGBTQ+ Writers

In Fort Collins, the recently opened and queer owned BookStore on the Square hosted local queer writers for the town’s First Friday Art Walk.

Old Town Square was bustling this last Friday as live music filled the space and people wandered from shop to shop. BookStore on the Square was in the middle of the action and hosted local writers who were connecting with guests that meandered in and out throughout the night. 

Self-described as a “LGBTQ and woman-owned indie bookstore,” BookStore on the Square opened last year and offers guests a queer-friendly experience with the added benefit of books. Owner Megan Murray is no stranger to world of books. She is an author herself, has been involved in library and scholastic programs for years, and also owns the mobile bookstore OnTheRoadBookStore. You can find more information about the store and upcoming events on their Instagram.

At the event, OFM had a chance to chat with many of the vendors and check out their newest books, art, and apparel. We saw some familiar faces, like Denver’s Dylah Ray, and got to meet some other wonderful local writers and artist. 

Dylah Ray, owner of Petals & Pages in Denver, met with guests and chatted about her debut poetry collection Perennials. The book’s recent launch party was a full house, and the emotionally honest collection speaks for itself. You can purchase her book online here or make a trip to her store on Santa Fe Drive to grab a copy (and you may even be lucky enough to meet her in person).

Rob Alexander’s enjoyably curious style and apparel drew in folks like honey—and his company Abstruse Apparel makes all their products from recycled and reused clothing. You can find his “upcycled clothing with a message” at The Lyric and Functional: A Space for Radical Reuse  in Fort Collins. 

Vic Leal also had a chance to chat with OFM and share poetry in the form of performance art. Vic’s unique approach uses their typewriter and postcards to create poems for guests who want personal poems made just for them on the spot. The engaging process is a unique experience that you won’t want to miss if you run into them at a vendor’s market. You can check out more of their work on their Instagram. 

Other writers and vendors in attendance included Bethany Economos, Kathleen Willard, Andy Riley, and Eden Heffron-Hanson. 

The LGBTQ+ scene in Fort Collins is still growing, and supporting the queer owned business in the area helps ensure safe spaces continue to thrive. If you live in the area or just visiting, check out BookStore on the Square to get your fix of LGBTQ+ books.

Photos by Anna Lee