Libraries and book stores - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

Notreallysure · 29th Nov 2010, 06:40 PM

Today I went to 2 different book stores and looked at the gay section for books about coming out. I was looking for different men's perspectives and challenges and what not. When I found the section (at both stores), it seemed like both were in a wide open area! Not in some nook or cranny, but in front of a reading area with chairs or beside the cafes. At the first store, it was a little less obvious, so I picked up a book and walked a little ways away to look at it. The name was "The Best Little Boy in the World Grows Up," and I'm actually planning to buy it online. I identified with the guy.
Anyway, it just was a little funny to me. Maybe I felt more conspicuous than I actually was, but it seemed like I was standing in the middle of the store looking at "gay" books. I had to laugh and couldn't wait to post this on here. It led me to a question, also. At libraries or book stores, do you find the "alternative" section (as it was called in one of the stores) more open or is it more discreet. I'm curious to know if I am the only one here.

alan t · 29th Nov 2010, 07:20 PM

Yes I have noticed that. I think the book stores just don't realize this is an issue when they're planning the layout so it just gets put somewhere by chance

George · 29th Nov 2010, 11:40 PM

The best thing you can do is just act normal. If you get squeamish looking at that section people will think you're looking at something considered taboo and then they'll start looking at you funny. Most of the time the LGBT sections in book stores aren't really noticeable. For example, the only way you can tell the Queer magazine section at Borders (at least in Australia) is what it is is because there's always a copy of DNA sitting on the shelf with some half-naked guy. Apart from that it just looks like books/magazines.

Ander Blue · 30th Nov 2010, 01:20 AM

At the Barnes and Nobles I know, the section is titled Gay And Lesbian with a big sign but they have always been a bit out of the way.

Holmes · 30th Nov 2010, 06:23 AM

A while back they would only have been found in a nook or cranny. These days, LGBT issues are considered relatively mainstream, so most bookshop owners wouldn't think twice about having them in an open area.

Allecto · 30th Nov 2010, 10:49 AM

I don't really care if someone sees me in the LGBTQ section. I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality that it's not much of an issue.

29th Nov 2010, 06:40 PM	#1
Notreallysure Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Not out at all Location: Alabama Posts: 132 Join Date: Jan 2010	Libraries and book stores Today I went to 2 different book stores and looked at the gay section for books about coming out. I was looking for different men's perspectives and challenges and what not. When I found the section (at both stores), it seemed like both were in a wide open area! Not in some nook or cranny, but in front of a reading area with chairs or beside the cafes. At the first store, it was a little less obvious, so I picked up a book and walked a little ways away to look at it. The name was "The Best Little Boy in the World Grows Up," and I'm actually planning to buy it online. I identified with the guy. Anyway, it just was a little funny to me. Maybe I felt more conspicuous than I actually was, but it seemed like I was standing in the middle of the store looking at "gay" books. I had to laugh and couldn't wait to post this on here. It led me to a question, also. At libraries or book stores, do you find the "alternative" section (as it was called in one of the stores) more open or is it more discreet. I'm curious to know if I am the only one here.

29th Nov 2010, 07:20 PM	#2
alan t EC Addict Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: A few people Location: ontario, canada Age: 27 Posts: 340 Join Date: Jun 2010	Re: Libraries and book stores Yes I have noticed that. I think the book stores just don't realize this is an issue when they're planning the layout so it just gets put somewhere by chance

29th Nov 2010, 11:40 PM	#3
George Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 19 Posts: 2,387 Join Date: Jul 2007	Re: Libraries and book stores The best thing you can do is just act normal. If you get squeamish looking at that section people will think you're looking at something considered taboo and then they'll start looking at you funny. Most of the time the LGBT sections in book stores aren't really noticeable. For example, the only way you can tell the Queer magazine section at Borders (at least in Australia) is what it is is because there's always a copy of DNA sitting on the shelf with some half-naked guy. Apart from that it just looks like books/magazines.

30th Nov 2010, 01:20 AM	#4
Ander Blue feeling comfy Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (normally Troy, New York) Age: 22 Posts: 428 Join Date: Nov 2009	Re: Libraries and book stores At the Barnes and Nobles I know, the section is titled Gay And Lesbian with a big sign but they have always been a bit out of the way. __________________ Re-examine all you have been told.... Dismiss what insults your soul. ~ Walt Whitman

30th Nov 2010, 06:23 AM	#5
Holmes EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out Location: Ireland Age: 25 Posts: 609 Join Date: Aug 2009	Re: Libraries and book stores A while back they would only have been found in a nook or cranny. These days, LGBT issues are considered relatively mainstream, so most bookshop owners wouldn't think twice about having them in an open area.

30th Nov 2010, 10:49 AM	#6
Allecto Fear this queer Full Member Gender: Femmebot Orientation: I'm pansexual, but right now I prefer femmes. ^_^ Out Status: So out of the closet that I was never really in. Location: The Berkshires Age: 22 Posts: 352 Join Date: Aug 2010	Re: Libraries and book stores I don't really care if someone sees me in the LGBTQ section. I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality that it's not much of an issue.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Target Stores Negotiate with Gay-Lesbian Group over Disputed Political Spending	Dan82	LGBT News, Rights, Issues and Equality	12	13th Aug 2010 11:49 PM
Favorite clothing stores?	BitterEdge	Entertainment and Media	43	18th Jun 2009 04:33 AM
Something I really liked from a book...	BeautifulStranger	Chit Chat	4	4th Dec 2008 08:34 AM
Ultimate Gay Book for Fantasy Fans - White Tiger (first book) by Kylie Chan	Gumtree	Entertainment and Media	1	22nd Jul 2008 09:07 AM