Oxford Street’s queer bookstore has a new owner

LGBTI+ bookstore The Bookshop Darlinghurst is under new management after a former employee purchased the business.

Founded in 1982 by Les McDonald and Wayne Harrison, The Bookshop and its keys were handed over to Charles Gregory the week before last.

In an open letter to customers, Gregory thanked McDonald for trusting him with the business and congratulated him for his four decades of hard work.

“Everyone I know, or have spoken to recently about the shop, has a story about it or thinks of it fondly. It’s been a mainstay of Sydney’s electric and ever-changing queer community,” he said.

Gregory is no stranger to The Bookshop, having worked there more than 15 years ago, which is part of the reason why he wanted to ensure that it would continue.

“I loved working there … It’s because I had such a good time then, that I still hold those days and nights working in the store as cherished memories, that I decided I wanted to see it continue,” he said.

The shop has survived for more than forty years. In that time it has celebrated milestones like the decriminalisation of homosexuality in NSW, the alignment of consent laws, and the rise of Mardi Gras.

“It [The Bookshop] wouldn’t have survived without its customers coming in frequently, despite the fact that they could save money by going elsewhere,” Gregory told Gay Sydney News.

“They believe in having a bookshop that represents the community and puts that at the forefront of its mission,” he said.

Gregory said the bookshop was an eclectic space when he first started working there, and it was that energy he wanted to continue as its new owner.

“I want to make it a space that’s more than just a bookstore, to get people back into a bricks-and-mortar store,” he said.

The Bookshop has always been a safe place for queer people to connect, and Gregory said it was important that it continues to be a safe haven.

“It’s on my radar as something to continue, and give back to the community and offer a space for people to connect, particularly people [who] maybe don’t want to be in a loud bar or club,” he said.

Gregory outlined his vision for the store, saying he wanted it to continue to focus on queer literature and history.

“I feel a deep responsibility to ensure it reflects the ever-growing diversity and full range of perspectives that make up our beautiful queer family in Sydney,” he said.

“It’s always been very gay and lesbian, but now there are a lot more trans and non-binary authors out there because there is way more literature and we want to celebrate that.”

Gregory added that having the right literature and staff employed at The Bookshop was respected by customers, who appreciated the knowledge they could get from the front counter.

“Our staff have knowledge of the literature and know what our customers like and can recommend things for them and what they want. Yes, an algorithm may be able to give you a bit of that, but it’s no match for a person you can talk to and really find the perfect book,” he said.

For now, The Bookshop will remain located at 207 Oxford Street in Darlinghurst and Gregory said he is confident of the revitalisation of the area.

“I’m hopeful about Oxford Street and really keen to see it develop and evolve into something even greater than it has been,” he said.