Omnivore - Outwrite coffeehouse-bookstore closes permanently

• fortheloveofbookshops.wordpress.com

As reported by Dustin Chambers earlier this week, Outwrite Bookstore closed after a celebration of its history Tuesday night. The bookstore and coffeehouse at the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont has been gay central for 18 years.

In earlier reports, owner Philip Rafshoon said he planned to relocate, but has now announced that the closing is permanent and that he will file for bankruptcy.

The bookstore’s closing creates a great void in our city. Rafshoon has hosted readings of countless gay writers and provided a safe space, especially for young gay people, to meet one another without depending on bars.

An excerpt from Rafshoon’s permanent-closing announcement:

All of us at Outwrite believe in the strength of our community and you will continue to see us working to strengthen and enrich it. While it is a challenging economy and the bookselling industry is rapidly evolving, there is still a need for neighborhoods with a strong LGBT presence and independent bookstores serving communities throughout the world.

Thanks to all of you who made Outwrite the special place it has been over the past 18 years. Thank you to all who came in on a regular basis, showing your commitment to supporting independent, local businesses. And thank you to all of the authors, poets, artists, musicians, volunteers, and activists, who have entertained, educated and energized us: your contributions have highlighted the strength, beauty, vitality, and creativity of our lives and changed the face of Atlanta. Thank you for making our community a better place.

The bookstore/coffeehouse was truly an icon of the outing of gay life in Atlanta over the last two decades.