26 November, London – On 19 November, the Hachette UK Pride network hosted a cross-publisher event at the 6th Story event space in Carmelite House. The joint venture, organised by the Pride networks of Hachette UK, Bloomsbury, Penguin, Pan Macmillan, and HarperCollins, was attended by 80 guests from across eight different publishers, agencies, and literary bodies, and celebrated the culmination of Trans Awareness Week, which ran from 13-19 November.  

The cross-publisher socials provide an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ staff and allies to expand their professional networks and meet colleagues at all levels from across the industry. Attendees were also given access to copies of over 60 titles written by LGBTQIA+ authors and creatives. These books included everything from picture books to memoir, new adult to literary fiction, with over 250 copies available to guests in total, and a dedicated table spotlighting books by Trans and Non-Binary authors. 

The networks also partnered with The Outside Project, which had a presence on the night and brought pamphlets, literature and merchandise. Since its founding in 2017, The Outside Project has campaigned for and led groundbreaking initiatives to support homeless LGBTIQ+ people in London.  

Guests were invited to make a voluntary donation at the free event to raise money for the Trans+ Winter Night Shelter. The Trans+ Winter Night Shelter provides a safe, supportive refuge for our Trans+ community who are homeless, escaping domestic abuse, seeking asylum, refugees and at risk of sleeping rough. In 2024-2025, the shelter provided over 900 nights of accommodation for Trans+ individuals in London, and launched the UK’s only Trans+ housing speciality service.  

Hachette UK Pride co-chairs, Cal Kenny and Katya Ellis, said: “This event has become a highlight of the annual publishing calendar, allowing Pride networks to meet and new friendships to be made across the industry. This year was additionally special, and we are proud to have supported The Outside Project. Huge thanks to all the Pride chairs who organised this amazing event alongside us. It’s a pleasure to work with you all, and long may it continue.”