A queer bookshop in Glasgow has raised more than £14,000 in less than a day after launching an emergency appeal for security shutters following a targeted act of vandalism.
Category Is Books, based in Govanhill, launched the fundraiser after one of its windows was smashed in an attack that specifically targeted the word “TRANS” displayed at the shop.
The independent LGBTQ+ bookshop said it had experienced a growing pattern of “intimidation, spitting and aggression” in recent months and felt it now needed additional protection despite operating for more than eight years without security shutters.
Supporters rallied behind the appeal, helping it surpass its initial £10,000 target within just 12 hours. By Friday, the fundraiser had raised more than £14,000.
In a message to supporters, the bookshop said it was “completely blown away” by the response. “We are completely blown away by the generosity and solidarity that has come our way,” the shop said.
Category Is Books and Kai Khidir
“Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser and held us in the past week.
“Over the past eight years, Category Is Books has grown beyond being just a bookshop. It has become an active site of queer organising, mutual aid and community. We genuinely appreciate knowing that this space matters to so many of you, and that we’re not alone in wanting to protect it.”
The shop said it had estimated £10,000 as the likely cost of installing roller shutters and covering associated expenses, but would keep the fundraiser open temporarily while formal quotations were obtained.
Any money remaining after the work is completed will be redistributed to other fundraisers and LGBTQ+ community groups, the business said.
Category Is Books has become a well-known community hub in Glasgow's LGBTQ+ scene since opening in Govanhill. Alongside selling books, it regularly hosts events, discussions and community initiatives, providing a dedicated space for queer readers, writers and activists.
The fundraiser remains open while plans for the installation of the security shutters are finalised.
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