NEW NARRATIVES. A new LGBTQIA+ Book Club in Eau Claire currently meets once a month The Goat Coffee House (336 Water St.) in Eau Claire. Mars Finch, a local resident of Eau Claire, created the group to foster a sense of community and belonging, they said. (Submitted photo)

For many queer people, finding community and inclusive representation can be a challenge. When faced with this very issue, local Mars Finch decided to create a group of their own: the LGBTQIA+ Book Club.

The book club currently meets once a month The Goat Coffee House (336 Water St.) in Eau Claire. The group's mission extends beyond simply reading queer literature — it aims to foster a sense of community and belonging — bringing together individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and identities. United by their shared interest in exploring queer narratives and experiences.

For this month’s read, The club will meet at 5pm on Thursday, April 17th to discuss TJ Klune's novel Under the Whispering Door. During the session, while enjoying cups of tea and coffee, attendees will delve into the recurring themes of life, love, and death as portrayed in the novel.

Sunburn book cover

Through thoughtful discussions and insightful analysis, the club will explore the characters' experiences and relationships, contemplate the complexities of human existence, and examine the universal emotions and struggles that connect us all.

Next on the bookshelf is Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth, with the book club’s meeting to discuss it scheduled for Friday, May 16, at 5pm.

The LGBTQIA+ Book Club has provided a safe space for a small group of queer book readers to gather over coffee and conversation since its first meeting in January 2024, Finch said.

To create intrigue, Finch strategically placed flyers at a local cafes and libraries throughout Eau Claire, to draw a handful of folks for the first few meetings.

The group has grown steadily and now includes approximately 8-10 regular members. The diversity of the group has been enriched by the addition of college students, a professor, and a pastor.

As a busy paramedic student, Finch said they desire each meeting to be a low-pressure environment and focus on quality rather than quantity. They warmly welcome all attendees, whether you're brimming with discussion questions to share or simply prefer to sit back, listen, and absorb the information shared.

“I don’t really care how many show up,” Mars said. “It’s a space that I can count on to come back to every month — I want it to keep being that space for others, too.”

To learn more about the LGBTQIA+ Book Club or to join the email list, contact Finch at mjmeyer07@gmail.com.