Tales to uplift

The Aesop Queer Library, 2026

With a spirit of reverence for the written word, the Aesop Queer Library returns globally for its sixth year, with an inaugural Manila branch opening at Aesop SM Aura.

From 26-28 June, the store will see its shelves cleared of most products and stocked with books by LGBTQIA+ authors instead. Each visitor will be invited to select a complimentary tome to take home, while stocks last—no purchase required.

In other words—liberation through self-expression

Entitled ’Body of Work’, this year’s edition focuses on the notion of the human body as a bridge between our private interiority and what is shared with the wider world. Writing that centres on the queer body in particular can challenge assumptions, give greater visibility to stories—and bodies—too often obscured from view, and serve as an act of joyful resistance. For this first edition of the Queer Library to be held in the Philippines, the selection consists of 29 titles in English or Filipino from esteemed local publishers, including Anvil Publishing, Adarna House and Milflores.

Being named after a master storyteller, Aesop has always been informed and inspired by literature. Since its inception, the Library has given a platform to underrepresented or silenced voices, affirming the ability of the written word to broaden minds, embolden individuals and foster community: since 2021, the initiative has distributed over 115,000 books.

The reading list

The collection includes titles that span a wide range of genres and a multitude of voices, including Naratibô by Bernadette "Det" Villanueva Neri, and Para Kay B by Ricky Lee —highlighted below.

Peruse the full list.

Bernadette Villanueva Neri, Naratibô

Bernadette “Det” Villanueva Neri is a professor in the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature at the University of the Philippines Diliman and a six-time Palanca Award-winning writer. She coined the term naratibô, a conscious practice of writing about the Filipina lesbian experience, and has been a longstanding advocate for gender studies and LGBTQIA+ representation. Neri is the author of several acclaimed children's books, including Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin and Si Gren, ang Kaibigan kong Alien. Her latest work, Naratibô (2025), is a collection of short lesbian fiction.

Ricky Lee, Para Kay B

Ricardo "Ricky" Lee is a celebrated Filipino screenwriter, novelist, playwright, journalist, and educator, and was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has written over 180 screenplays, including acclaimed works such as Himala and Moral, helping shape modern Philippine cinema. Born in Daet, Camarines Norte, Lee overcame a difficult childhood and found solace in literature, selling his first short story while still in high school. Beyond film, he is the author of the best-selling scriptwriting manual Trip to Quiapo and the acclaimed novel Para Kay B. His work has earned numerous accolades, while his free scriptwriting workshops have mentored generations of Filipino writers. Through his storytelling and teaching, Lee has left an enduring mark on Philippine literature, cinema, and culture.

Photo by Grace Orbon-Emmelot