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 own 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.

For BI & POC people, people who are 2SLGBTQIA+, people who are neurodivergent, and basically anyone who doesn’t belong to one or more privileged 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.

In Impolite Society flip that script.

We have a carefully curated list of romances that centre the stories of Black and other marginalized people, thereby mixing passion with politics, and love with liberation.

We combine these stories with a list of revolutionary themes to help enhance our social justice practice, because the personal has always been political.

And the better we understand that, the greater our impact will be.

During the first week of a new book month (e.g. November 2026, January 2027, March 2027, etc.).

That being said, you’re welcome to join at any time, especially if you’re a fast reader, and can finish / nearly finish the book before our monthly call.

Regardless of when you join, though, your first month is free.

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

That being said, all members are 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, biases, and assumptions about how the world works.