What is Paned o Gê?
A forthcoming independent, queer bookshop, cafe, bar and event space in Cardiff, Paned o Gê is a social enterprise designed to highlight, promote and celebrate LGBTQ+ and Welsh talent and creators.
What is a queer bookshop?
A queer bookshop is a one that primarily stocks books by or about LGBTQ+ folx. There are currently four others in the United Kingdom and Paned really pleased to be joining this small group: Category is Books in Glasgow, Gay’s the Word in London, The Portal Bookshop in York and The Bookish Type in Leeds.
What is a social enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business, however the profit made is directed towards specific social objectives. In fact, it would be illegal if Paned didn’t do this! Paned’s profits are asset locked: to register as a social enterprise with Companies House, Paned had to declare in its founding papers that all the profit would go to the community!
Where will the profit from Paned o Gê go?
Any money spent in the online store will be reinvested in Paned.
If the digital book club goes well and Paned continues to make money, from June 2020 onwards, 10% of Paned’s profits will be donated to LGBTQ+ charities and services in Wales.
If Paned o Gê is keeping some of the profit, what will it be used for?
The eventual, lofty goal of the store is to raise enough money to buy a commercial property that will become a hub for the queer community in Cardiff.
The remaining money will help finance events, pay speakers and performers, educational seminars, funding the shop’s Pay It Forward shelf and more.
All artwork by Jenna Clark @ Skybear Illustration
