Saddle Up For Anti-Fascist Librarians In Ann Arbor District Library's 2025 Big Gay Read
Fifth annual community read tackles censorship and resistance with Sarah Gailey's 'Upright Women Wanted'
The Ann Arbor District Library's fifth annual Big Gay Read brings together readers across Southeast Michigan for a month of community engagement around Sarah Gailey's "Upright Women Wanted," a queer speculative fiction novella featuring anti-fascist librarians on horseback fighting censorship in a dystopian Wild West.
The annual Big Gay Read functions as a community book club amplified across an entire month of programming, offering a series of in-person events at library branches. Though reading the book adds a little more depth to The Big Gay Read’s events, they can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read a page in the book. This year's lineup includes drag performances, academic lectures, crafting workshops ranging from cross-stitching to miniature library making and a country-themed social complete with cowboy hat decorating. Participants start by reading the same book — this year's selection features propaganda-smuggling librarians, found family and yes, horses — then dive into immersive group experiences culminating with an in-person community conversation with Gailey.
AADL staffer Jacob Gorski says the library chose “Upright Women Wanted” because "it was important for us when choosing the Big Gay Read for this year to choose a book that meets the moment of where we are in America." The book, he explains, "has a sense of whimsy and imagination and community that also lends itself really well to what we’re doing here at the Ann Arbor District Library."
"This is a book about women and nonbinary folks taking action directly against the fascist dissemination of false information," Gorski notes. But beyond its political themes, "this is a book about how people find each other, sometimes in very distressing situations, but how they can come together to make a difference."
The novella follows Esther, who escapes a forced marriage and the execution of her best friend (who she was also in love with) only to find herself among a crew of librarians smuggling banned materials across a post-apocalyptic landscape. In Gailey's world, books are censored and queerness is forbidden, making the librarians' work both dangerous and essential.
"These are some outlaw librarians,” Gorski says, “and while I think the book might imagine a dystopian future of outlaw librarians, I think that future is very much here for many librarians in many different communities."
Gailey, who uses they/them pronouns, bases much of their speculative work on real-world issues. "I'm not that creative. I'm really just looking outside," they insist, though Gailey’s fans often praise the creative turns Gailey’s fiction often takes. "Upright Women Wanted," Gailey says, draws from "existing decline and decay of fascist controlled civilizations and the way that fascism in no way serves the needs of the people," but also from Gailey's real-life interactions with librarians.
"What they do is so much more than cataloging and shelving and checking out books," Gailey explains. "They are responsible for education about information and the nature of reading and getting access to resources. They teach people — they don't just give people resources. They teach people how to find resources."
This approach resonates saliently in the current political climate. "It's not a far leap to imagine them being the core of the resistance," Gailey says.
The author will visit Ann Arbor for the first time as part of the Big Gay Read programming. "I'm so excited," Gailey says. "I've never been to Ann Arbor before, but I know that it's beautiful, and I know that there is an incredibly excited and enthusiastic community of readers there who I'm really looking forward to connecting with."
Gailey describes libraries as more than allies to queer communities. "There are allies and then there are accomplices," they explain, referencing advice from a queer mentor. "Libraries are accomplices to everything we're trying to build in society and in community."
The month-long celebration includes seven events designed to bring the community together around themes from the book. "We want to create spaces for people to come together and do something fun at the library, but hopefully also interact with one another," Gorski explains.
All Big Gay Read events are free and open to the public. Readers can pick up their copy of "Upright Women Wanted" at any of the five Ann Arbor District Library branches or access it as an e-book or audiobook.
2025 Big Gay Read Events
Cowgirl Boot Cross Stitch
Monday, July 7, 6:30 p.m., Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr.)
Guided cross-stitch craft event for all skill levels. Kits provided with take-home materials.
Wild West: Decolonized and Uncensored with Nadine Hubbs
Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Library (343 S. 5th Ave.)
University of Michigan historian, musicologist and professor Nadine Hubbs will explore how Gailey's wild West connects to real-life stories of queer cowfolx and the Mexican and Indigenous origins of the cowboy and the American Southwest. Hubbs is the author of "The Queer Composition of America's Sound" and "Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music."
Pink Pony Social
Friday, July 11, 6 p.m., Downtown Library Lower Level
Crafting and fellowship event featuring cowboy hat decorating, yarn-wrapped rainbow making and custom chili seasoning packets. Music from queer and ally country artists like Chappell Roan, Orville Peck and Dolly Parton. Space for meeting other community members with puzzles and photo opportunities.
Yeehaw Drag Review
Sunday, July 13, 2 p.m., Downtown Library
Country-themed drag performance featuring performers from across the state and Toledo.
Mini Library Making
Sunday, July 20, 2 p.m., Traverwood Branch (3333 Traverwood Dr.)
Create tiny libraries in Altoids-sized cases with handmade books featuring covers from lesbian pulp fiction and other queer literature.
Author Event with Sarah Gailey
Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m., Downtown Library
Talk, Q&A and book signing with "Upright Women Wanted" author Sarah Gailey. Gailey will discuss the real-world pieces of inspiration behind the book, including authoritarian interference with media production and consumption, the history and goals of media censorship, the legacy of the Hayes Code and the work readers can do in their local communities to protect the right to read, watch and study freely. Books will be available for purchase.
This content is made possible through our partnership with Ann Arbor District Library. Learn more about the Big Gay Read at aadl.org/thebiggayread.
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