Feminist Bookstores, Queer Run Clubs and Lesbian Bars: The Power of Third Spaces for Queer Women

“My own life has been defined by a search for lesbian spaces.” So says journalist June Thomas, whose new book “A Place of Our Own” explores third spaces for queer women, places that are not work or home. Tracing the history of lesbian bars, coffee shops, bookstores, communes, sex stores, vacations and softball teams, Thomas argues for their importance in community building, political organizing, friendship and love — then and now. We’ll talk with Thomas about her new book, and we’ll hear from the founders of two California LGBTQ groups — Queer Run San Francisco and HOT POT in Los Angeles’ Koreatown — about how they center and create community for queer women of color. Tell us: What have queer women’s spaces meant to you?

Guests:

June Thomas, co-host, Slate's "Working" podcast; author, "A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women's Culture"

Chloe Morizono, producer, KQED; founder, Queer Run San Francisco

Jordyn Sun, creator of HOT POT, which puts on QTBIPOC parties in LA's K-Town