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, reading romance can be challenging, because it doesn’t reflect our lived realities.

In “Impolite Society”, we read romance that’s sexy and fun, sweet and smart… and that reminds us that the search for love is as much a political activity as it is a personal one.

Because, in a world where our very right to exist is so often called into question, finding real, true love that celebrates our humanity is nothing short of revolutionary. 

So when we discuss and analyze the politics of the story and the characters’ lives, we’re also practicing how to do this in our own lives.

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. You may choose to be a member of Impolite Society only, or bundle it with Snowflake Central, which is the other learning space within KIN. Regardless of which plan you choose, your membership renews automatically, and you may cancel at any time.

Membership gives you access to a private area within KIN, Fictive Kin Equity Lab’s digital community space. In this space, you will:

• meet other members;

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

• share your reactions and insights about the books in real time; 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 on April 3.

To join us, just go back to the landing page and click the “Choose a Plan” button at the bottom. Follow the prompts, and then you’ll be all set!