The Oscar Wilde Bookshop

Tucked into New York City’s Greenwich Village, the Oscar Wilde Bookshop opened in 1967 as the first gay-oriented bookstore in the world. Founded by Craig Rodwell, a gay rights activist and member of the Mattachine Society, it became more than just a shop — it was a hub for community, activism, and connection.

Rodwell envisioned a place where queer literature could be celebrated instead of hidden. The store stocked everything from pulp novels to political manifestos, offering a rare public space where LGBTQ+ people could browse without fear.

The shop served as an organizing center for early Pride marches and protests, even helping to plan the first Christopher Street Liberation Day in 1970. The bookstore preserved and distributed queer culture at a time when mainstream publishers often refused it.

The store’s slogan was “We have books for lesbians and gay men… and their friends.” Just like the Oscar Wilde Bookshop gave people a space to see themselves in print, we give people a space to see themselves reflected — in the mirror, grinning.

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