Monday, 14 November 2016

COP3: Bookstore Interview



The interview covers more about the history of the store, but still very interesting and talks about how attitudes have changed over time, how the shop was the basis for the bookshop in the Pride movie, how

Started pre-internet so it was the only source of LGBT books other than mail ordering. One of around 5 others in the UK, but the only one left standing.

Feels it's good news that mainstream bookshops stock LGBT books, gives us validation, however these sections can just become just erotic texts, hidden under the stairs, or become smaller and smaller sections and isn't really consistent branch to branch, some have good sections and some don't.

Always aiming to keep lots of academic texts in the shop as well as political texts, not just erotic books, but also wants to keep a wide range for people to choose from.

Shows the newsletters the shop published, how people thought they just stocked porn.

Big range of customers, people come from all over the world, has a lot of meet ups. Happy to offer meeting space. Is a community space now. Loves to see parents coming in with or for their child.

Constantly inspired by the people who come in. Loves hearing people's stories who come into the bookshop.

The future new generations discovering the bookshop is always heartwarming, wonder that the rise of ereaders/ebooks if there a reason to continue, but thinks personal engagement and the heart of the bookshop make it special. A safe space.

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