Outwrite bookstore has closed for good
A long line formed outside Outwrite Bookstore when RuPaul visited. AJC file photo
The final chapter has ended at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse. It’s not a happy ending.
“We regret to inform you that effective January 26, 2012, Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse is closed for business,” owner Philip Rafshoon said in an email. “For over 18 years, we have been privileged to serve Atlanta residents and welcome visitors from across America and around the world. We sincerely thank you for your patronage.”
The Midtown landmark sounded the alarm some time ago, alerting patrons to its financial woes and asking for help. While many people responded, even volunteering at the store to help keep its doors open, the efforts were unable to surmount Outwrite’s predicament.
“Unfortunately, we have run out of time and money to make that transformation,” Rafshoon wrote.
The store has hosted numerous author signings and other events through the years. Appearances by authors including RuPaul, Star Jones and CNN’s Don Lemon drew crowds, but special events weren’t able to sustain the business.
“As an independent bookstore and coffeehouse focused on the LGBT community, Outwrite has served as a symbol of strength and diversity in this city; and we have helped create a vibrant, pedestrian environment in Midtown,” Rafshoon wrote. “Our community has made an incredible amount of progress in the past 18 years and we are proud to have been part of that progress. 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.”
He ends on a grateful note:
“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.”
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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72 comments Add your comment
JRHD
January 26th, 2012
5:23 pm
@TruthBe – PREACH IT!!!! Just preach it somewhere else.
other CJ
January 26th, 2012
5:28 pm
there is always hope and FREEDOM in Christ…NO lifestyle is a hopeless dead-end…. streethttp://www.restorepurity.com/articles/index/Our%20Identity%20As%20A%20Son
Uncle Thomas
January 26th, 2012
5:28 pm
To “Whatever…”
1) Last I recall, businesses began closing in BUSH’s economy and carried over into the present economy. 2) The housing bubble began to bust in BUSH’s economy and carried over into the present economy.
other CJ
January 26th, 2012
5:30 pm
http://www.restorepurity.com/articles/index/Our%20Identity%20As%20A%20Son
Slick Willy
January 26th, 2012
6:09 pm
“1) Last I recall, businesses began closing in BUSH’s economy and carried over into the present economy. 2) The housing bubble began to bust in BUSH’s economy and carried over into the present economy.”
You are so right this is ALL BUSH’s FAULT! Nevermind that economies all over the World are collapsing, it is ALL BUSH’s FAULT.
Outwrite bookstore closing is BUSH’s FAULT too!
PS: Does sex in the Oval Office and/or the White House count as a public place?
Aussies do it better
January 26th, 2012
6:10 pm
WHY IS EVERYONE GIVING RONNIE SUCH A HARD TIME???? ISN’T HIS RESPONSE EXACTLY WHAT THE LGBT COMMUNITY SAY THEY WANT TO RECEIVE FROM OTHERS: to not be treated differently?? COME ON, CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT? I don’t even know if Ronnie was being sarcastic or what, but, really, isn’t that the response you desire? Equality?
James
January 26th, 2012
7:00 pm
That spot 10th and Piedmont is the epicenter of the community. The store will be missed, but I hope the replacement business will demonstrate the same kind of community support and awareness that Outwrite did. I think it is sad that all of the book stores across the country such as Boarders etc. are going to be closing. They are going the way of the rotary phone, the payphone, and the video stores. I hope the other big book store chain can stay in business. I can’t think of the name, but I go there all the time. Just drawing a blank. There’s one at Edgewood and Technology square. Dang, just can’t think of the name.
James
January 26th, 2012
7:08 pm
Barnes and Noble is the name I was trying to think of.
Atlantarama
January 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
I don’t think that midtown is the gay center it used to be, and I can see how the rent is prohibitive. Trying to park around that area is a pain when the lot is full. But there is a market for gay-oriented stores, as the success of Brushstrokes proves. Hopefully, Outright will reopen in a location closer to other gay businesses and with better parking.
Kenny
January 26th, 2012
11:33 pm
@Atlantarama – The area is changing. What next, turning Blake’s into a TGI Friday’s. If you ask me, all this movement back in the city from people in the suburbs is destroying the fabric of our community, stay in Alpharetta and Hall County people. We don’t need your influence. My friends and I are going to make sure this area stays a gay center. Jewish people have Israel, we’ll we have 10th and Piedmont/Midtown. Please keep an eye out for our upcoming rally to keep it pure and keep it gay in Midtown!
J. Sterling
January 27th, 2012
8:46 am
It is Gay Israel, we’re surrounded by hostile angry areas that want to see our destruction. And now they’re taking our bookstore.
Baby Got Books » Friday Links
January 27th, 2012
8:50 am
[...] The closing of another Atlanta indie bookstore also suggests that “forth” might be too high on the list. [...]
Tony Stall
January 27th, 2012
10:41 am
It just happens. That is the lifecycle of an are in Atlanta. 1-Lesbians move in to a bad area 2-Gay Men come in and spruce it up 3-Artist and Hipsters make it cool and trendy 4-Yuppies invade 5-Businesses close or move and then the Gay folk start a new area… I remember when Virginia Highlands was the gay epicenter and Highland Tap was called “the Color Box” a disco and drag bar.
ATL Native
January 27th, 2012
10:58 am
Fred: I think you’re the idiot…if I were to hold hands with my partner of 20 years in Canton or even Marietta, we’d get attacked by some redneck. I don’t dare hold hands or even give my partner a kiss on the cheek outside the gay-friendly Midtown area. Go outside 285 sometime, hold hands with someone of the same gender and see what happens…stupid jackass.
Fred
January 27th, 2012
11:24 am
ATL Native: Liar. And a coward. I see it all the time all over the country. YOU want to make out like an undisciplined teenager in heat. Learn manners. your name calling shows you out.
ATL Native
January 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
Fred…talk about name calling? Read your last comment.
Dr Skeeve Smith
January 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
Great, now where am I gonna find all that hot fresh twink action.
Fred
January 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
ATL Native: You are typical of your breed. you call names and then point fingers when you receive back. What are you like 6?
You know I’m correct on every thing I have said. It’s YOUR choice not to go out and you choose not to do so our of your own FEAR, which in fact makes you a coward. By definition. But someone YOU don’t like you choose to use a derogatory term IE “redneck” for. I have described you, noty called you a stupid jackass, idiot, OR a “redneck.” Boy howdy would you be whining and have YOUR boxers all in a bunch if I “called” you a f@g lol. But that’s different” isn’t it you hypocrite. It’s ok for YOU to use pejoratives right? Don’t worry, I won’t stoop down to your level.
Grow up already.
Johnny Boy
January 28th, 2012
9:44 am
@Tony Stall: yes, Virginia Highland used to be considered a gay area for sure back in the 80s. However, Highland Tap was not the Color Box location. It was the Texas Drilling Company (now relocated and called the Eagle). Color Box was where Everybody’s Pizza used to be.
midtownATL
January 30th, 2012
5:17 pm
To “Whatever…” The reason it’s news is because it was an important part of metro Atlanta’s landscape for several years where people could hang out, purchase books and chat. News is more than just the weather, sports, shootings and home invasions. Anyway.. seems like you’re an idiot.. not really sure why I’m even wasting my time on this.. I guess I was just bored.
mcw30306
January 30th, 2012
5:53 pm
so did you all (and the AJC…) miss the part of the story about Outwrite owing almost $200,000 in unpaid sales tax to the City? that’s not yuppies or folks who are anti-gay trying to shut down a business. that is bad management that would doom any business.
as a gay atlanta, though, i also have to agree with fred. to bemoan the loss of a place that “felt safe” is to ignore our responsibility to be open about who we are in all aspects of our lives. education and exposure to new things are the only cures for ignorance. sticking to the part of town where people are just like you is self-segregation and weakens us all.
undelete word files
January 30th, 2012
7:03 pm
Hello! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the great job!