More Than Words: W Hotels Celebrates Pride 2021 with a Summer Book Club, Amplifying Queer Authors and Narratives

Literary Selections Chosen by 'them.'--the Next-Gen Community Platform Which Chronicles Stories, People and Voices Through the Lens of Today's LGBTQ+ Community

News provided by

Marriott International, Inc.

Jun 24, 2021, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, June 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- You can lose yourself in a good book, but you can see yourself in a great one. W Hotels, a champion of inclusivity since its inception, today announces the them. x W Hotels Summer Book Club, a collaboration with them., the next-generation media platform that provides news and commentary through the lens of today's LGBTQ+ community. By harvesting the power of storytelling, W Hotels and them. hope to bring further attention to queer authors and audiences by shining their collective spotlight on three moving literary titles throughout the summer of 2021.

"Whether through original music, digital art, or dancing in the streets at parades around the world, W Hotels has honored Pride with artists of countless mediums over the years," said Carly Van Sickle, Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing, W Hotels Worldwide. "This year—in light of smaller gatherings—we wanted to celebrate Pride with anyone, anywhere, who would like to connect through the written word. Together with the incredible team at them., we are excited to support three talented authors with our LGBTQ+ guests and fans."

The them. x W Hotels Summer Book Club will bring together leading authors, activists, and creatives to dive into outstanding recent LGBTQ+ novels and nonfiction works. From the most unique gay bars on Earth to tight-knit queer communities in the unlikeliest of places, readers are invited to take an inspiring tour of the various ways queer people come together and exist in our world today. From June through August, them. will announce the monthly book selection on Instagram and invite all to read along and share their thoughts throughout the month. Guests at select W hotels across North America can request a copy of the book to borrow during their stay simply by calling Whatever/Whenever™ and mentioning the them. x W Hotels Summer Book Club selection of the month.

The inaugural book is Real Queer America by Samantha Allen, a transgender reporter's narrative road trip that shines a light on unexpectedly vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in conservative states across the country, introducing readers to extraordinary individuals fighting for change. All book club members are invited to pick up a print or digital copy and read alongside Book Club Ambassadors, influential members of the queer community who have been chosen by W Hotels and them. to share their personal interpretations of what they're reading. A book review will be written and published by them. and readers can share their thoughts using #whotels.

"We are so proud to be collaborating with W Hotels to put the power of LGBTQ+ storytelling into the hands of people everywhere. Through this book club, we hope readers feel the spirit of Pride all summer long and beyond—no matter where they are," said Whembley Sewell, Editor-in-Chief, them. "The selections from LGBTQ+ authors in this series are sure to uplift, inspire, and inform —representing the beauty and promise of a more inclusive future. As you—guests and members of them's community—read along, be sure to share connections and reactions to these incredible stories."

For more information visit the theangle.whotels.com and join the conversation on Instagram @whotels @them #whotels.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests' lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand's provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand's super-charged energy celebrates guests' endless appetite to discover what's new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About them.
Them., a next-generation community platform, chronicles and celebrates the stories, people and voices that are emerging and inspiring all of us, ranging in topics from pop culture and style to politics and news, all through the lens of today's LGBTQ+ community.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.