Aesop has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union for its annual Queer Library initiative, which features pop-up reading rooms this weekend across multiple cities.
The fragrance and skincare company launched the Aesop Queer Library in 2021 to mark Pride month. Instead of altering its logo or adding rainbow elements to promotions, the brand works with bookstores and pro-LGBTQIA+ groups to create in-store libraries.
This year the project carries the theme “Body of Work” and explores how the queer body can challenge assumptions and highlight overlooked stories. Featured authors include Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Torrey Peters, Seán Hewitt, Ocean Vuong, Brandon Taylor, Pedro Lemebel, Alejandro Varela, and Kristin Arnett.
Pop-up reading rooms will operate June 26 through June 28 at Aesop stores in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Miami, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Washington DC, Chicago, Hoboken, Portland, Seattle, and Philadelphia. Main branch locations in Los Angeles Larchmont and New York Nolita will replace most products with books.
Aesop has worked with the ACLU for four years and has distributed more than 115,000 LGBTQIA2S+ books worldwide since the program began. Penguin Random House is also participating in the effort.
