On Thursday, May 30th at 7 pm, Lost City Books will host the Lavender Evolutions LGBTQ book club to discuss the groundbreaking work Queer Palestine and the Empire of Critique by Sa'ed Atshan. This insightful and thought-provoking book examines the rise of a formidable, transnational Palestinian LGBTQ social movement that has captured global attention and solidarity, yet faces immense criticism and constraints from both Israeli and Palestinian institutions, Western academics and media, and even fellow activists. Atshan deftly explores how this "empire of critique" has limited the growth of the queer Palestinian movement by pressuring it to prioritize the struggle against imperialism over the fight against homophobia. Through incisive analysis of key junctures in Palestinian LGBTQ activism, from Ramallah to New York to Tel Aviv, the book highlights the incredible resilience, creativity, and defiant spirit of queer Palestinians navigating daunting societal and political pressures. Attendees can expect a nuanced discussion around the complexities of balancing multiple liberation struggles simultaneously within progressive social movements. The event promises to shed light on an underexplored but vital intersection of queer and Palestinian rights. For the LGBTQ community in D.C., this is a rare opportunity to learn about and engage with these important issues through Atshan's empathetic yet unflinching lens. Whether one identifies as Palestinian, queer, or simply an ally, this book club promises to challenge assumptions and push readers to think more critically about how societal power structures enable or constrain solidarity across diverse progressive causes. The conversation will undoubtedly spark new perspectives on building more inclusive, intersectional movements for justice and human rights. With its blend of academic rigor and intimate storytelling, Queer Palestine is a profoundly relevant read that local activists, students, and globally-conscious citizens should not miss.