The No Corners Reading Circle / Session 02

The No Corners Reading Circle

A Corners Run Crew x Niagara Queer Run Crew Event

A circle has no corners. All voices are heard.

Join us for an inspiring evening of shared reading and conversation as we return for our second session of The No Corners Reading Circle with Samra Habib's novel We Have Always Been Here.

We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib is a powerful memoir chronicling the author's journey as a queer Muslim woman. Born in Pakistan to a persecuted Ahmadi Muslim family, Habib fled to Canada as a refugee and grew up navigating multiple identities between cultures, faith traditions, and her sexuality in communities where being queer and Muslim were often seen as incompatible.

Through intimate storytelling and striking photography, Habib challenges stereotypes and reclaims space for LGBTQ+ Muslims. Her narrative weaves together displacement, family expectations, arranged marriage, and ultimately self-acceptance. The title itself is a declaration of visibility: queer Muslims have always existed within their communities, despite erasure.

We are proud to partner with our friends and crewmates at Niagara Queer Run Crew for this event.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
• Location: Brindle Cafe, 160 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines

Registration Options:

• $26 - Book & Event Registration
• Free - Library read & Event Registration - limited spaces for this option

Books will be purchased by The Corners x Niagara Queer Run Crew from Someday Books and participants will be notified when your copy is available for pick-up from the store.

Registration opens Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 7 PM

What to Expect:

• Thoughtful discussion around stories that amplify underrepresented voices
• Book share/swap opportunities
• Prize draws courtesy of Lululemon (Pen Centre) and Kintec Footwear
• Time to connect with NCRC crewmates over Brindle's delicious menu

Community Impact: Donations will be accepted on the night of the event and will support the purchase of books for Harriet Tubman Elementary School. Books ordered through our longtime partner, Someday Books.

Creating space for shared reading and conversation rooted in values of inclusion, curiosity, and collective reflection. All voices are heard, all stories matter.

It's bigger than the run.

MODERATE PACE // POSITIVE SPACE

The Corners are a 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, Body-positive, safe space.

Also check out other Arts events in St. Catharines, Literary Art events in St. Catharines, Nonprofit events in St. Catharines.