history

The Oscar Wilde Bookshop opened its doors for the first time Thanksgiving weekend of 1967 by gay activist, Craig Rodwell on Mercer St. in New York City. At a time when “gay bookstore” meant “porn store”, Rodwell understood the importance of a store that carried real literature for the lesbian and gay community and refused to carry pornography. He worked initially 70-hour weeks and ran the store entirely by himself that first year and half. In 1973 the store moved to its currently location at 15 Christopher Street, a block away from the historic Stonewall Bar.

Oscar Wilde was the world’s first gay bookshop, and has never taken that distinction lightly. In the early days of the store all available gay literature fit on a few shelves, whereas today it is impossible to stock every title in print. Before the days of a village community center, the Oscar Wilde was filled with literature for activists’ meetings, and housed the meetings themselves. Today the store is a destination listed in guidebooks throughout the world and daily welcomes visitors both nationally and internationally.

Rodwell passed away in 1993 and in 1996 the store went through a major renovation expanding to the back room to hold the growing number of LGBT literature published. In early 2006, the shop experienced its latest exciting transition. Kim Brinster, the long-time manager of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop, took over ownership of the store. As in those early days, the experienced and dedicated staff welcomes all to the store and understands the importance of the Oscar Wilde for the LGBTQ community.