What does “Impolite Society” mean?

If you read copious amounts of British historical romance, you’ll find that “polite society” is weaponized in all sorts of ways to keep the main characters from living life on their terms. This usually means seeking some sort of economic, familial, romantic, and / or bodily independence.

“Impolite Society” is, therefore, a nod to the fact that the romance we read is focused on challenging norms, transgressing taboos, and just generally being unapologetic about any of the things society - historical or contemporary - says you’re “supposed” to be sorry for.

This includes, but is not limited to: being Black; being queer; being poor; being foreign; being female; being “too sensitive”; and, of course, reading romance at all.

“Impolite Society” is about learning, vicariously through the characters’ journeys, how to reject the shame and guilt that dominating, oppressive, imperialist, and unjust society thrives on, so that we can find our way to creating a better, more inclusive, humane, and just world.

What does “romance and revolutionary practice” mean?

For BI & POC people, people who are LGBTQ2SIA+, people who are neurodivergent, and basically anyone who doesn’t belong to one or more dominant identity groups, the vast majority of romance can be challenging to read: at best, it doesn’t reflect our lived realities and, at worst, it reinscribes white cultural supremacy, especially in its most insidious forms.

That’s why, in Impolite Society, we read romance that’s sexy and fun, sweet and smart… and that reminds us that being human is as much a political activity as it is a personal one.

So when we discuss and analyze the politics of the story and the characters’ journeys, we’re also practicing how to apply this in our own world-changing work.

And, what’s a “Reading Guild”, exactly?

It’s our “fancy” way of saying that we’re not just reading for reading’s sake. (Although, to be clear there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!)

We’re reading specific, curated material in a way that’s intentionally focused on improving our ability to make meaningful social change.

We read to get better at the equity and social justice work we do, so that the world in which we live also gets better.

I do belong to one or more dominant identity groups. Is this club still for me?

Of course! You don’t have to be part of an equity-owed group to join. The vast majority of the novels selected for the Society will centre melanated and marginalized characters, but their stories - their journeys of self-discovery, resistance, and transformation - are for everyone!

Do I have to be an expert in equity and justice?

Not at all! Members are only expected to have an open mind, an open heart, a strong belief that equity and social justice are good things for everyone, and a willingness to engage with stories that may challenge their own lived experiences / assumptions about how the world works.

How does membership work?

Membership plans are offered on a month-to-month basis. The plan gives you access to Fictive Kin Equity Lab’s private Mighty Network where Impolite Society “lives”. Access allows you to:

• meet other members;

• get access to the video reading guides for each book;

• share your reactions and insights about the books in real time through the chat feature; and

• RSVP to our monthly live meetings and any other Society events.

In the future, we hope to have guest hosts, author events, maybe a podcast, a conference, watch parties for any movies or series based on our favourite books, and other cool things we haven’t even dreamed up yet. ♥️

Okay, I’m ready to sign up! How do I join?

Great! Membership opens again on October 2, 2025. Click here to join our mailing list so you don't miss out!