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The Labrys Lit Book Group selects A Circle Outside for December 2026

I found the FiLiA-sponsored Labrys Lit Book Group several years ago. It’s organized by Claire Huechan, a Scotland-based writer who works very hard to find a selection of books by lesbian writers that I would never had heard of otherwise.

We’ll be reading stories by lesbians across generations, ethnicities, cultures, classes, and religions. Like every branch of FiLiA, Labrys Lit is passionate about amplifying the voices of women who are less often heard or purposefully silenced. Priority is given to stories about lesbians of colour, working-class lesbians, and lesbians from religious minorities. Yes, books about women like Anne Lister are important. But the average lesbian doesn’t have her wealth or privilege, and stories belonging to the most visible lesbians aren’t the only stories worth exploring.

You can see the list of books we’ve read so far here. I can’t say I loved all of them, but they are all worth reading. If you’re a lesbian you can join the group at the same link. We meet the last Sunday of the month, 4:30 pm UK time.

In 2026, Claire’s selection focuses on the theme of the Lesbian Past and Pulp Fiction. I’m really looking forward to this entire year, and especially December.

• January: Spring Fire, by Vin Packer/ Marijane Meaker

• February: Pulp, by Robin Talley

• March: 3,000 Lesbians Go to York, by Jane Traies

• April: These Letters End in Tears, by Musih Tedji Xaviere

• May: Other People Manage, by Ellen Hawley

• June: Notes of a Crocodile, by Qiu Miaojin

• July: Experienced, by Kate Young

• August: Hijab Butch Blues, by Lamya H

• September: A Family Matter, by Claire Lynch

• October: House of Monstrous Women, by Daphne Fama

• November: Chutzpah!, by Yehudis Fletcher

• December: A Circle Outside, by Linda Rosewood