CBS Atlanta 46Atlanta LGBT bookstore Outwrite closes its doors

Atlanta LGBT bookstore Outwrite closes its doors

Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse, a Midtown gathering place for the LGBT community, has shut its doors for good.

Philip Rafshoon, the store's owner, sent an email to subscriber's Thursday morning and posted the news on their Facebook page that the store was officially closed.

The store opened in 1993 and served not only as a bookstore and coffee shop, but as a meeting point for rallys and a place to gather to watch the annual Gay Pride Parade.

"As an independent bookstore & 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. 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," said Rafshoon in his note.

The store, located at 10th Street and Piedmont Road, closed due to financial reasons. Rafshoon said they had hoped to open in another location, but had "examined and exhausted all possibilities for continuing this company given our financial situation."

Many patrons took to Outwrite's Facebook page to express their sadness.

"This is terribly sad news. I remember being a newly out (and scared) 19 year old and walking through your old location. I felt at home. I also remember so many books & lattes at the 10th & Piedmont location. Thank you for helping that scared 19 year old become a more confident, mature 30 something...I'm forever grateful. Though I haven't lived in Atlanta for many years, your store was always a most stop when traveling home. Outwrite was more than a bookstore, and it will be missed. Thank you!!!," said one post.

Rafshoon closed his letter with thanks to the community.

"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"

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