Queer Bookstore Faces Economic Survival Crisis

<thread> 1/ Les Mots à la bouche, Paris's oldest queer bookstore, launched a crowdfunding campaign on May 21, 2026, to avoid closure amid mounting financial pressures. Located at 6 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie in the 11th arrondissement's Marais district, the shop has operated for nearly 50 years since opening in 1979. Owners described their situation as "we're suffocating more and more" in a plea for community support. 2/ The bookstore, founded by activists during a time when LGBTQ+ visibility was limited in France, became a cultural hub for queer literature, events, and community gatherings. It survived the AIDS crisis, anti-gay laws, and shifting neighborhoods but now faces post-pandemic recovery challenges. Current co-owners Antoine Idier and Thomas Eudier took over in 2021 and have managed steady attendance—around 50 visitors daily—but sales haven't kept pace. 3/ Key pressures include a 30% rent hike over three years, pushing monthly costs to €5,000, plus €1,500 in charges and €2,000 for stock. Inflation has raised book prices while customer budgets shrink, and online giants like Amazon capture 40% of France's book market. The shop's niche focus on queer titles limits broader appeal amid declining physical book sales, down 5% industry-wide in 2025. 4/ Owners Idier and Eudier started the Ulule crowdfunding on May 21 with a €30,000 goal to cover six months of rent and operations. As of May 22, it had raised €12,500 from 250 backers, offering rewards like signed books, event tickets, and "godparent" memberships for €100+. They emphasize community ties: "This place belongs to everyone who's passed through." 5/ The Marais, once a queer epicenter, has gentrified with rising commercial rents—up 15% citywide since 2023—squeezing independent shops. Similar closures hit Paris's Viens Voir exhibition space in 2025 and other LGBTQ+ venues. Les Mots à la bouche hosts weekly readings, Pride events, and youth workshops, stocking 8,000 titles in French, English, and more. 6/ France's independent bookstores numbered 3,200 in 2025, down from 4,000 in 2010, per the Syndicat de la Librairie Française. Government aid like the CNL subsidy (€2,000-€5,000 annually) helps but covers only 10-20% of deficits for niche shops. Queer literature sales grew 12% in 2025, yet physical stores struggle against digital shifts. 7/ Supporters include authors like Édouard Louis and local figures; the campaign page notes 500+ social media shares in 24 hours. If successful, funds extend operations to the 50th anniversary in 2029. Failure risks liquidation by summer. Donate at ulule.com/les-mots-a-la-bouche. </thread>