Community Responds to Demonstrations at Outwrite

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Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, a GLBT bookstore in Atlanta, was recently targeted by anti-gay protestors. On several consecutive Saturdays, approximately 20 protestors stood in front of the store carrying signs and a bullhorn. In response, a smaller counter-demonstration also gathered outside. Customers, neighboring businesses, and other community members have shown an "outpouring" of support, said Outwrite owner Philip Rafshoon.

The protests began on Saturday, June 17, the week before Atlanta's gay pride parade, and continued on the following two Saturdays, said Rafshoon. The group stayed about two hours and carried signs with anti-gay messages. One used a bullhorn and "screamed epithets at everybody," said Rafshoon.

"We've never had anything of this nature before," he told BTW. "And we've been in business for 12-1/2 years. I'm not sure why they've chosen to protest now and not before."

Rafshoon contacted the police, who were sympathetic, but could not legally prohibit the group from protesting. On June 24, several of them were arrested when they attempted to protest in a nearby park that had been rented for Gay Pride celebrations, according to Rafshoon.

The effects on Outwrite's business have been minimal, but Rafshoon expressed concern that they could become significant over time. "People come here to relax, find books, and drink coffee -- not to be harassed by protestors," he said. "It's distracting from what we need to be doing to serve customers and help grow the business."

To counter the protestors, Rafshoon sent out an e-mail describing the situation to customers and friends and they responded by visiting Outwrite in force. "We had a better day than a typical Saturday," he said. "We more than made up for any losses. I'm thrilled with the outpouring of help.

"Customers are very angry that the protestors are coming here. And they're surprised they've been here on a regular basis. Some [customers] created their own signs and were shouting back. A lot have asked what they can do to help. It's a great thing."

This past Saturday, the protestors did not come back. However, Rafshoon said many customers asked him to contact them if they return. "If they do show up again, I'll e-mail customers, contact the city council, and explore other options," he said. "We'll deal with it as necessary, and we'll make sure our customers are safe. But I'd much rather just focus on selling books." --Karen Schechner