BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Lavender Menace - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Lavender Menace
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Lavender Menace
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20270328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20271031T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260305T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T164544Z
CREATED:20260129T101222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T164544Z
UID:17459-1772704800-1789923600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading (Exhibition)
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted that a portion of the exhibition has been extended to 20 September 2026! You can find Past Shelves in the Huntly Room and Costume Gallery\, on the first floor of the Museum.  \n\n\n\nOpening hours: During the summer\, the Museum is open 7 days a week\, 10am-5pm.  \n\n\n\nJoin us for the Past Shelves exhibition to explore the impact of LGBTQ+ reading\, publishing\, and bookselling. The exhibition is inspired by Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ bookshops and LGBTQ+ community experiences in Scotland from 1980-2000. \n\n\n\nThe Past Shelves exhibition follows on from the Past Shelves oral history project run in 2025-2026 by the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive.  \n\n\n\nLavender Menace was Scotland’s first gay and lesbian community bookshop. Co-founded by Bob Orr and Sigrid Nielsen\, it opened in 1982. After five years of bookselling\, the bookshop was reborn as West & Wilde (1987-1997) owned by Bob Orr and Raymond Rose. These spaces were a haven for LGBTQ+ people and sold queer books at a time when mainstream bookshops would not stock them. The bookshops were also important community spaces where LGBTQ+ people could feel welcomed and connect with each other. In 2019\, Lavender Menace was revived as Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive.  \n\n\n\nDiscover the world of Lavender Menace and West & Wilde with us\, through books\, magazines\, interviews and more. \n\n\n\nNote: The exhibition originally included three sections. Two of the original sections have been extended to 20 September\, you can find these in the Huntly Room and Costume Gallery. \n\n\n\nCredits \n\n\n\nThis exhibition was created by Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in partnership with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh. Thank you to our funders\, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Awards for All. \n\n\n\nLocation & access \n\n\n\nThe exhibition takes place at the Museum of Edinburgh\, 142-146 Canongate\, Edinburgh EH8 8DD. \n\n\n\nThe main entrance has 1 step. There is no lift and no ramp and the upper levels are accessible by stairs only. The exhibition is located on the first floor\, accessible by stairs only. \n\n\n\nWe appreciate that this means some of our audience won’t be able to access the exhibition\, and we are producing a digital guide of the exhibition in order to make the exhibition more accessible. You can also view this film of the exhibition to visit virtually. \n\n\n\nIf the inaccessibility of the building is preventing you from seeing the exhibition\, please email themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk and we will send you the digital guide when it is available.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/past-shelves
LOCATION:Museum of Edinburgh\, 142-146 Canongate\, Edinburgh\, Midlothian\, EH8 8DD\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Past-Shelves-20-September.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260805T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260805T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T122617Z
CREATED:20250430T134301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T122617Z
UID:3117-1785934800-1785945600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Lavender Drawing Board
DESCRIPTION:The Lavender Drawing Board: Co-working for queer creatives \n\n\n\n\nBook a place\n\n\n\n\nResearching\, writing and creative freelancing can be a lonely road. The Lavender Menace Drawing Board offers a calm\, supportive atmosphere for studying\, reading and library-reasonable creative work in the company of fellow queer bees. \n\n\n\nBecause of the nature of the building\, we can’t guarantee silence but we will hold the quietest space we can within the room. There are nooks to break out into if you need to discuss\, plan or scheme and adaptable floor-room for bigger (potentially messier) projects. \n\n\n\nThe final half hour of every session will be a bookable spot for anyone looking for feedback\, help or advice on their latest endeavour. Do you need to read through a scene? Test the flow of a piece of writing? Assistance on a funding application? This will be your moment! \n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/drawing-board
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eventbrite-tempate-30.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T121500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T140000
DTSTAMP:20260730T133802Z
CREATED:20240426T193500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T133802Z
UID:2391-1786277700-1786284000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Men for Queer Literature
DESCRIPTION:A friendly monthly discussion group about gay books and gay writing\, for people who enjoy reading and talking about how gay writing has impacted our lives. We meet on the second Sunday of every month and we pick a different theme/topic each time. \n\n\n\nThe theme for August will be queer crime. \n\n\n\nThe theme for September will be queer travel. \n\n\n\nYou don’t need to prepare anything in advance\, but you’re welcome to bring along a text or extract from a piece of published gay writing you feel a connection with. \n\n\n\nThese sessions are for anyone who identifies as a gay\, bi\, or queer man and wants to discuss books. Our events are trans-inclusive: trans men\, trans mascs\, and non-binary folks welcome. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/qm4ql
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/QM4QL-web-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T122843Z
CREATED:20240521T153522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T122843Z
UID:2415-1786284000-1786291200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday
DESCRIPTION:On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month\, the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive is open 2pm–4pm for our informal Social Sundays. Join us for tea\, cake and lots of queer book discussion! \n\n\n\nThere is no need to sign up in advance\, you can just turn up. \n\n\n\nSocial Sundays are a great way to learn more about the archive and chat about your favourite LGBTQ+ books. You can come with friends or on your own – our volunteers will make you feel welcome. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nSocial Sunday takes place at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/social-sunday-6
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Social-Sundays-web-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260816T141500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260816T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T123319Z
CREATED:20240426T131144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T123319Z
UID:2385-1786889700-1786896000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Lesbian Words
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our monthly discussion about lesbian books! We get together on the third Sunday of each month to chat about books and media about lesbians\, sapphics\, bi and/or queer women. \n\n\n\nWe usually pick a specific topic to discuss each month\, like our favourite book to movie adaptations\, controversial books\, or lesbian representation throughout history.  \n\n\n\nThe theme for August is lesbian crime and mystery. \n\n\n\nLesbian Words is open to anyone who wants to talk about lesbian or sapphic books. You don’t have to be a lesbian to join\, and the group is trans inclusive: trans women\, trans femmes\, and non-binary folks welcome. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\n\n\nBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/lesbian-words-6
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LW.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T123611Z
CREATED:20250724T173732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T123611Z
UID:15246-1786971600-1786982400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Future Drop Outs: co-working group
DESCRIPTION:Book now\n\n\n\n\nFuture Drop Outs is a co-working group for queer students\, researchers\, and writers. Join us for a calm\, supportive studying session\, 1-4pm on the third Monday of the month. What to expect \n\n\n\nA relaxed and relatively quiet space to work on your own project in the company of others. Because of the nature of the building\, we can’t guarantee silence but we will hold the quietest space we can within the room. We will have basic refreshments (tea\, coffee\, biscuits) out.  \n\n\n\nThe final half hour of every session will be an informal conversation and people are welcome to share their work if they would like to.  \n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/future-drop-outs
LOCATION:Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, Edinburgh Palette\, Edinburgh\, Scotland\, EH7 6AE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FUTURE-DROP-OUTS-2160-x-1080-px.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260820T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260820T213000
DTSTAMP:20260729T194451Z
CREATED:20260729T155502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T194451Z
UID:18113-1787254200-1787261400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Gothic Words Presents: A Bat Walk
DESCRIPTION:And bats went round in fragrant skies\, \n\n\n\nAnd wheel’d or lit the filmy shapes \n\n\n\nThat haunt the dusk\, with ermine capes \n\n\n\nAnd woolly breasts and beaded eyes \n\n\n\n\nTennyson\n\n\n\n\n\nBats have inspired many writers and artists throughout history. They’re a liminal being\, living between land and sky\, emerging at dawn and dusk. This is perhaps what leads some queer people to feel an affinity with them. They also have strong associations with vampires and Gothic literature. \n\n\n\nJoin us to learn all about these mysterious mammals\, muse on their literary Gothic associations\, and look for bats in their natural habitat. \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout the facilitators\n\n\n\nClaudi Gebhardt \n\n\n\n\nClaudi is the Scottish Bat Officer. She has been working at the Bat Conservation Trust since 2021\, but she’s been involved in the bat world for 20 years. She supports bat groups in Scotland\, providing training for bat survey skills\, as well as enthusing people about bats and engaging communities through bat walks and workshops. In her spare time\, Claudi also enjoys creating art and poetry\, and volunteering with nature and LGBTQ+ organisations. \n\n\n\n\nCooper King \n\n\n\n\nCooper is a volunteer with Lavender Menace\, who runs the Queer Gothic Words book group\, and a PhD student studying Gothic literature. He’s most interested in the intersection of horror with queerness and transness. He’s excited to spend this time reflecting on nature and literature with Claudi’s expertise. \n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\nAn informal talk on bats and queer Gothic literature\, and a short walk to look for bats. Claudi will tell us all about bats in Scotland\, the species\, their habits\, and explain what we might find. Cooper will highlight the role of bats and vampires in Gothic literature. After 40 to 60 minutes of chat in the archive\, we will go for a short walk to look for bats around St Margaret’s Loch in Holyrood Park. Bat detectors and instructions on how to use them will be provided. No experience necessary and no advance preparation needed. Some parts of the route may be dark\, so it is useful to bring a head torch so you can see where you’re walking. The whole event will last approximately 2 hours\, depending on how long people want to look for bats – attendees are welcome to leave the loch whenever they feel like. \n\n\n\nEdinburgh Palette will be closed by the time we finish the bat walk\, so don’t leave any belongings at Lavender Menace as we won’t be going back there. The car park will still be accessible if you would like to park at Lavender Menace and collect your car after the walk. \n\n\n\nEvent may be amended/cancelled at short notice\n\n\n\nThis event is weather dependent – bats won’t venture out in adverse weather conditions\, so neither will we. If you book a ticket for this event\, please keep an eye on your inbox as we will email the night before to confirm whether the walk part of the event will go ahead. If rain is forecast\, we may meet for the discussion part of the event only\, or amend the timing. \n\n\n\nBooking\n\n\n\nTickets are pay-what-you-can. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited\, so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nThe event will begin at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. We will then take a short walk (~0.5 miles/10 mins) into Holyrood park to look for bats at St Margaret’s Loch. The route will likely follow pavements without steps. Once we reach the loch\, we will stand still or walk slowly for as long as people would like to. It may be possible to sit if the benches are free. If you require a step-free route or have any other access needs in order to attend\, please email us in advance so we can accommodate you. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/bat-walk
LOCATION:Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, Edinburgh Palette\, Edinburgh\, Scotland\, EH7 6AE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Eventbrite-tempate-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T121500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T140000
DTSTAMP:20260723T124550Z
CREATED:20240809T150415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T124550Z
UID:2623-1787487300-1787493600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Gothic Words
DESCRIPTION:A monthly book club focusing on queer gothic writing. Every month we choose a book (or selection of shorter texts) by LGBTQ+ authors\, or featuring queer characters/themes to read and discuss together. We alternate between classic and contemporary texts. \n\n\n\nIn August\, we’re reading The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling. \n\n\n\nIn September\, we’re reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. \n\n\n\n\nBook ticket\n\n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\nPlease book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/queer-gothic-words
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gothic-web.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T124715Z
CREATED:20240521T153430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T124715Z
UID:2412-1787493600-1787500800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday
DESCRIPTION:On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month\, the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive is open 2pm–4pm for our informal Social Sundays. Join us for tea\, cake and lots of queer book discussion! \n\n\n\nThere is no need to sign up in advance\, you can just turn up. \n\n\n\nSocial Sundays are a great way to learn more about the archive and chat about your favourite LGBTQ+ books. You can come with friends or on your own – our volunteers will make you feel welcome. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nSocial Sunday takes place at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/social-sunday-5
LOCATION:Scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Social-Sundays-web-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR