My first realization of the power of a book was in sixth grade. Although the book was not about LGBT issues, it did allow me to escape my current circumstances of southern Alabama, red dirt and peanut fields. I found a particularly captivating a book about a runaway named David, who explored the countryside of Greece. I was able to learn about other worlds, while learning about myself, through a novel. I think people thought I was a bookworm or super-smart, but in reality, I just wanted to escape my current circumstances.

When I learned of the Rainbow Readers, I was quickly transported back to that time when I needed to escape and then the many, many times since when I escaped for pleasure, not necessity. Sarah Slocum has taken it upon herself to start not one, but two, LGBT reading groups, and it was easy to see why.

“Most bookstores carry very little LGBTQIA fiction. Most, if they do carry it, is mainly young adult fiction, memoirs or sex help books. I sought a place that would not only be able to provide books but also offer a space that was friendly and inviting. I started this book group last November, and more and more people have started coming regularly,” Sarah said.

“The book club has given me a queer/LGBT space where I feel free to discuss books that I haven’t been able to explore since college. … I started with the idea that I read books very different from the average person in a bookstore. I searched for bookstores in the area that fit and would host us. I came to Annie’s and was welcomed immediately by Patty, one of the owners. She has been very helpful with guiding me to reach more people.”

I feel that the book club is an important part of the complex fabric that makes the Worcester area so livable. We need to give youth cultural opportunities that will help them grow into productive, creative citizens.

“The youth group (Rainbow Readers: Youth Group) started based on a discussion with one of the librarians at my library in Sutton as they helped with some of the brainstorming about the adult group,” Sarah said. “The youth group keeps all reading PG-13 and originally met at Chickpea on Park Ave. before moving to Annie’s. Starting in January, we will be meeting in the Banx Room of the Worcester Public Library on second Fridays from 3-5 p.m. On Jan. 13, we are reading None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio. The adult book club generally meets either the second or third Saturday of the month, depending if I am traveling or there are other store events. Our January meeting is the 21st from 6-8 p.m., with the book being Power Play by Avon Gale.”

At one recent Rainbow Readers meeting, I met a few new people and a couple of people I had met before. I value diversity and was pleased to see the meeting was a nice mix of gender identities and sexual orientations.

To find out more, email Sarah at rainbowreadersmass@gmail.com.

By John Trobaugh – Have an idea for a new column topic? Email John@JohnArt.com.