The following tips and suggestions are from the collective wisdom of several gay & lesbian reading groups across the country as shared in The Lavender Salon Reader.

Reading/Discussion groups are started for lots of different reasons. Sometimes they are begun by a few friends who desire to discuss the books they're already reading; sometimes they are started by a desire to create a space where people can make new friends and acquaintances. Whatever the reason, reading clubs are very popular. Look around your community. Some groups are sponsored by libraries, bookstores, or social organizations; others might be listed in the classifieds of the local gay bar magazine or newspaper; and there are listing of some clubs on the Internet and/or on the online services such as AOL. If you don't find a group that focuses on a topic of interest to you, or simply doesn't feel right, then consider starting up a group of your own. They are easy to set up, though you may find you'll need to clean your apartment every couple month (I find hosting a meeting is a good incentive to clean and organize up my place!). There are few costs involved in maintaining a reading group; most groups are very informal with no national affiliation.

Some other ideas for a successful reading group to keep in mind include:

• The people who participate in your group do not have to be amongst your closest friends (at the beginning at least). People with widely different backgrounds, ages and gender will generate lots of great discussions.

• A lot of gay & lesbian reading groups meet in their member's private homes or apartments. Meeting in a home provides a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere; it also holds down costs since you don't have to rent a meeting room. Some groups may find a sponsor such as a bookstore or a library. These places can be very useful in generating interest in your club.

• Food! Quite a number of reading clubs begin or end with a potluck dinner. Potluck dinners are a lot of fun! A meal provides a specific time for socializing. In our group, the the host is responsible for providing beverages (which we limit to soda pop and water, though others may bring beer or wine) and plates and silverware. As they have already cleaned and opened their home, asking some to also prepare a dish can be asking quite a lot!

• You'll need a selection of books and films. Let everyone in the group recommend a book. Be open to each other's interests. Most books offer something that you can focus on, even if you don't like it. Some groups make their reading lists a year in advance, others select their books only a few months in advance. Either way, select your books far enough in advance, that members have an opportunity to obtain the book and read it.

• Be fair with each other. Don't attack a person for their feelings toward a book. Give everyone an opportunity to express themselves.

• Expect the discussion to lead off into experiential personal references. This is one of the pleasures of the group.

• Select someone to be the coordinator. This is really important. There needs to be someone to keep the ball rolling, especially in the beginning. Duties of the coordinator should include scheduling and coordinating upcoming meeting places. The coordinator should also have in mind a couple of titles, in case no one brings forth a reading suggestion.

• If you decide to limit the size of your reading club, don't make the group too small. Most successful groups range from 6 to 20 members. If your group is closed, periodically consider inviting new members into the group. They'll keep you from getting stagnant. It's also natural to experience some drop out for various reasons. Don't fret, others are looking for the program you're offering.

• Consider interleaving a video into your book selections. Not everyone enjoys reading, but everyone watches films. Video programs will give your group an opportunity to meet the spouses who don't enjoy reading. You may want to view the film as a group function at a theater or as part of the regular meeting. If you decide to watch a video as part of your meeting, consider beginning that meeting an hour earlier than normal. It takes 90 to 120 minutes to watch most films. You may find some members will want to leave right after the viewing, because they have to get home, or it's dark and they have to travel.

• Most importantly, have fun! Don't make the requirements hard for anyone! A reading group should be lots of fun. Give your group a name! Keep the expectations low, some books will generate better discussions than others. Not everyone will finish a book, but will have some insight to share based the comments of other members.

Send your comments and ideas to The Lavender Salon Reader.
Page last modified: October 15, 2006