Read Me, B*Tch | Queer Book Club – Mel

Bookworms, babes, and a little literary drama. 📚🌈✨

The Gay Social Club Book Club is back, and this month we’re diving into a beautiful, emotional queer love story that’s bound to give us PLENTY to talk about.
Our November read is Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. 🌊
Set in 1980s Poland, this gorgeous novel follows two young men navigating first love, identity, and the realities of being queer in a world that isn’t quite ready to accept them.
Think forbidden romance, political tension, longing glances, complicated choices, and the kind of love story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
And naturally, we have THOUGHTS.
We’re heading back to THE FOX for another cosy evening of books, drinks, and some very passionate literary discussions. Whether you loved the characters, questioned every decision they made, or spent half the book wanting to reach through the pages and give someone a hug, we want to hear all about it.
Haven’t finished the book? Babe, come anyway!
This isn’t an English exam, and nobody’s handing out grades for your reading comprehension. Whether you’ve devoured every page, made it halfway through, or have only just started, you’re still welcome to join us. Just be prepared for spoilers!
Book Club is about so much more than finishing a novel. It’s about sharing stories, hearing different perspectives, discovering new authors, and connecting with other queer readers over a shared love of books.
Coming solo? Perfect! Most of our members do. Kate will be there from 6:30pm to welcome everyone, make introductions, and get the conversation flowing. Whether you’re a regular book club diva or joining us for the first time, there’s always room for another reader at the table.
Expect thoughtful conversations, a few laughs, some wildly different interpretations, and probably at least one passionate debate about whether a fictional character made the right decision.
And because we love planning ahead, we’ll also have a chance to chat about what’s coming up next for Book Club. Our December read will be selected at October’s Book Club, so keep an eye out for the announcement!
One book. A room full of queers. Approximately 47 different opinions.
Come solo. Come with your hot takes. Come exactly as you are. 📖💗
📖 NOVEMBER’S BOOK
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
A moving queer love story set in 1980s Poland, exploring first love, identity, political division, and the courage it takes to love authentically.
THE DETAILS
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30pm
📍 Venue: THE FOX
🏠 Address: 351 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
👋 Host: Kate Sowden
📖 Book: Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
📸 Instagram: Tag us @thegaysocialclub
⚠️ MEMBERS-ONLY REMINDER
Members-only, no plus ones.
RSVPs close 7 days before the event (unless otherwise specified) or when the event reaches capacity. This allows us to confirm bookings with venues, finalise numbers, and deliver the best possible experience for everyone attending.
Please note: The check-in window for all Melbourne Gay Social Club events begins at the advertised event start time and remains open for 30 minutes after the event begins.
Hosts are responsible for welcoming members, making introductions, and getting the event underway, so if you arrive significantly early or late they may not be available to check you in. Arriving within the check-in window helps ensure the best experience for both yourself and other members.
Your host’s contact number will be included in your event reminder email and should only be used on the day of the event if you need assistance locating the group or require support during the event. For all other enquiries, including bookings, cancellations, membership, or general support, please contact our Support Team via https://socialclubsupport.group/.
$10 no-show fee applies. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your RSVP so another member has the opportunity to join.
💸 GOOD TO KNOW
RSVPing to this event is free as part of your membership, however any food, drinks, tickets, activities, transport, or venue costs are paid directly by attendees unless otherwise specified. We organise the vibes – you cover what you order.
📸 PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Our hosts may capture photos and videos throughout the event for use on our social media, website, and promotional materials. If you’d prefer not to appear in any content, simply let your host know when you check in and we’ll happily accommodate this.
⚠️ A QUICK NOTE
By attending this event, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Please take responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, personal belongings, and decisions throughout the event. Melbourne Gay Social Club facilitates social experiences and community connections, but attendees remain responsible for their own conduct and participation.
♿ ACCESSIBILITY NOTE
Our events are held at third-party venues, and accessibility facilities and arrangements may vary between locations. If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, we recommend contacting the venue directly before attending to confirm that its facilities and access arrangements meet your individual needs.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Melbourne Gay Social Club acknowledges that our events take place on the traditional lands of First Nations peoples. We recognise their ongoing spiritual, social and cultural connections to land, waters and community. Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.