Ep. 163: The QT Library: Building Boston’s Queer & Trans Community Living Room
Zach Randles-Friedman sits down with Jake Stepansky, one of the founders of The QT Library—a bold effort to create a brick-and-mortar queer and trans library and substance-free community space in Boston. What started as a “gay librarian at the gay library” dream (sparked by Heartstopper tears and a craving for community spaces that aren’t bars) has grown into a real, volunteer-powered movement: thousands of books, a custom cataloging system, packed virtual programming, and a clear mission to make queer and trans people feel fully seen—no secrecy, no shame, no hiding in the “Magic Treehouse” aisle. Jake and Zach talk about why Boston needs this, how the library becomes a hub for intergenerational connection, why “substance-free” matters for access, and what building community has taught Jake about accountability, curiosity, and gratitude. Plus: how anyone can help right now—whether that’s $5, a single hour, a bookshelf build, a D&D campaign, or simply telling people the QT Library exists.
Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast · Zach Randes-Friedman
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Show Notes
In this episode:
- What The QT Library is: a queer/trans-authored and curated collection + a welcoming, physical community space in Boston
- The mission: no book bans, more belonging—and a library that feels like warmth, whimsy, and joy
- Why libraries matter: “you already know what a library is” — and that familiarity makes access easier
- A Boston reality check: expensive city, limited space… and the need for free, shared community infrastructure
- Intergenerational magic: creating a space where queer youth and queer elders connect naturally
- Virtual programming stays: the QT Library’s online events are thriving—and they’ll continue even after a physical opening
- Community-built from scratch: the surprising range of ways people have contributed (from marketing plans to plastic book covers)
- What Jake’s learned about community:
- you will mess up—values + repair matter
- everyone’s interesting if you ask better questions
- gratitude is a culture-builder (the Monday Meeting gratitude tradition)
- Why “substance-free” matters: expanding access beyond bars/clubs—especially for youth, families, and anyone who wants community without alcohol
- Boston’s volunteer spirit: how the city’s service culture could help power the library forward
- Reality check: this is not “a few books on a shelf”—it’s a growing, organized, legit operation
- The goal: Jake’s dream to open a physical space in summer 2026
- How you can help: donate, volunteer, share the project, spread the word
Learn more / Donate / Volunteer: https://www.qtlibrary.org/
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