By Jessica Dillon
Rainbow Readers is an LGBTQ+ book club that meets at Magnolia & Main Books with the goal of creating an inclusive space for readers while exploring a shared love of books. The group was created by Ashley Hodges and meets once a month to discuss its current selection.
The club formed after Hodges previously participated in another group that eventually dissolved. A separate group was created in the summer of 2025.
“I wanted to do something for the community for the queer population, but I didn’t know where to start,” Hodges said.
A longtime reader, Hodges began searching for spaces in the community where she could feel included and decided to create one herself.
“Originally, the group was going to do a silent book club with an option to do clubs,” Hodges said. Instead, participants began talking through the meeting, turning it into a traditional book club.
The first book the group read was Ruby Fruit Jungle, which Hodges described as “It was a girl’s life from childhood to adulthood, her finding her way.” The book resonated personally with her.
“We need more safe spaces for the queer community, also I just love to read,” Hodges said. She added that the area has “grown more accepting” over the years.
Sam, Hodges’ wife, said growing up locally as a gay person was difficult.
“I grew up around here, she did too, I lived here just about my whole life. Growing up in this area as a gay person was challenging,” Sam said.
Sam Hodges said they have since found a sense of community, crediting spaces such as Unicorn AF, a salon owned by Annette Fitzgerald, for helping provide support.
“I’ve never seen that support outside of my mom,” Sam Hodges said.
Ashley Hodges agreed.
“We really have found our community, I feel like we are growing,” she said.
The Pride Coalition has also helped create more inclusive spaces in the area and has recently hosted additional drag shows.
“We think there should be more for the LGBT youth around here, we didn’t have that when we were younger,” Ashley Hodges said.
She expressed concern about the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in the area.
“I felt alone a lot being younger and being gay,” Sam Hodges said.
In January, the club plans to allow members to choose their own books and give PowerPoint presentations explaining why others should read them. Hodges said she provides free snacks and refreshments at every meeting.
“I try to support other local LGBT businesses,” she said.
Rainbow Readers will meet again at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Magnolia & Main Books, 810 Main St., Ridgeway. The group is open to everyone, including those interested in trying new books.
