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Giovanni’s Room, the oldest LGBT bookstore in the country, holds a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community. Founded in the spirit of solidarity and inspiration, the store has served as a vital hub for connection, education, and celebration for half a century. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookstore in New York City, Giovanni’s Room aimed to create a similar sense of community in Philadelphia, becoming a point of connectivity for LGBTQ individuals, just like their counterparts in larger metropolitan areas.
While not the first gay bookstore in the United States it is the longest running, celebrating 50 years in business, Giovanni’s Room became a beacon of hope for LGBTQ individuals seeking representation and a sense of belonging. Over the years, the store’s success has been sustained by the unwavering support and contributions of the LGBTQ neighborhood, both financially and through practical means. Countless volunteers from the Gayborhood have generously lent their skills and time to create the store’s unique ambiance, crafting stairs, bookcases, and windows that embody the spirit of the community.
Giovanni’s Room has witnessed and adapted to significant shifts in LGBTQ rights and culture throughout its existence. Each decade brought new challenges and opportunities, prompting the store to evolve and cater to the needs of the local community. In the 1970s, Giovanni’s Room fostered community events and provided a platform for emerging queer literature. In the 1980s, the store played a vital role as a primary provider of HIV/AIDS information, responding to the urgent needs of the community during the epidemic. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, it even became an international supplier of queer books and a valuable resource for LGBTQ bookstores around the world, facilitating their establishment and growth.
Today, Giovanni’s Room, now known as Philly AIDS Thrift@ Giovanni’s Room, continues its mission of inclusivity and accessibility, even in the face of the restrictions and isolation imposed by the recent pandemic. The store has embraced digital platforms and social media, utilizing TikTok, Instagram, and podcasting to extend its reach and share the atmosphere and rich history it embodies. This expansion beyond physical boundaries ensures that people from all corners of the world can experience the essence of Giovanni’s Room.
The store faced its share of challenges, particularly in the post-Amazon era and the rise of big-box bookstores. In 2014, Giovanni’s Room announced its closure, like many independent bookstores struggling to survive. However, salvation arrived in the form of Philly AIDS Thrift, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the HIV/AIDS community. They collaborated with Ed Hermance, who had owned and managed the store for decades, to implement a new model combining new books and thrift items. This innovative approach helped reduce overhead costs and secured the store’s future. In 2018, Giovanni’s Room purchased its historical building, solidifying its place in LGBTQ history and ensuring its legacy endures.
Ed Hermance, a central figure in Giovanni’s Room’s journey, holds a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes about notable literary figures who have visited the store. From Alison Bechdel to James Baldwin, the store has welcomed renowned authors who have left their mark on the LGBTQ literary landscape.
LGBTQ businesses, including bookstores and bars, have faced unique challenges in the 21st century. The question of their necessity often arises, but the answer lies in the enduring strength of community organization and collective effort. Through good times and bad, LGBTQ individuals have united, finding solace, support, and empowerment together.
When offering advice to younger generations seeking their own sense of community and belonging, Katharine Milon Co-Manager, of Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room, stresses the importance of finding one’s community in a physical or virtual space. Her straightforward, profound piece of advice: “Just do it.”
The store’s founders, Dan Sherbo, Bernie Boyle, Tom Wilson Weinberg, and later owner Pat Hill, embarked on their journey with no business plan or prior experience. Despite these obstacles, they nurtured their dream and found ways to make it a reality. Embracing the spirit of innovation and resilience, they discovered that many individuals are eager to contribute and help bring a vision to life. The LGBTQ community’s inherent unity and willingness to take risks for the greater benefit have always been the driving forces behind successful endeavors.
Giovanni’s Room stands not only as a testament to the power of LGBTQ literature but also as a living embodiment of the strength and vibrancy of LGBTQ communities throughout history. It continues to inspire, educate, and connect people across generations, preserving a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
