The LGBT community of Chicago has gone through massive changes these past 30 years, with non-profits and businesses providing the necessary building blocks for a more stable future.But few institutions have survived as long, and done as much, for our community as Women & Children First Bookstore.
We often think of non-profits when it comes to supporting those in need, especially during tough economic times. But our community's small businesses have been equally vital in providing a safe space and support. That support comes in many forms, and what Women & Children First has done is immeasurable. But I will try to provide some reasons here in asking for your support of the store as it marks its 30th anniversary with a celebration this October.
First, back in the 1970s when they opened—and, still to some extent today—the store was a safe haven for authors and readers. They nurtured many writers now prominent today, without regard to sexual orientation. And while they are a feminist bookstore, owners Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon never shied away from including lesbians, bisexuals, gay men and transgendered as featured writers. Some "feminist" groups and businesses used to be afraid of the queer label, but this store always embraced it. Out, proud and in retail. A rare thing back in 1979.
Second, Ann and Linda have always supported community groups through donations of products, gift certificates, ads in program books, sponsoring sports teams, and providing a place to gather. The bookstore has been a de facto community center, from its early years on Armitage and then Halsted, and now on Clark Street. In fact, Andersonville's growth as an LGBT-friendly neighborhood is in large part because of the early anchoring of Women & Children First in that area.
Third, as individuals, both Ann and Linda have helped many groups, serving on boards, advisory councils, political committees, and much more. They have helped move the debate on LGBT issues in the mainstream, and have helped fight for small bookstores nationally.
Fourth, as a small business, they are very involved in their local business district, employing people, participating in business networking and strengthening. They are mentors to many other small business owners. I remember back in the 1980s sitting on their Halsted street stoop with Ann, asking for her advice on starting my own paper, Outlines. She was so generous and giving with advice, and they have always supported every crazy adventure and newspaper I have been involved in. They are personal friends and feminist role models to me.
Small businesses are struggling against many great odds. The economic downturn is just one of many burdens. As a bookstore, they face severe competition from big-box retailers and online stores, although Women & Children First is part of a great online database where you can get pretty much any book you see on Amazon.com or other places. As a media company, we face many of these same challenges of competition and increasing costs. It is not easy communicating the value of supporting a "business" vs. pitching someone to donate to a non-profit group--even though our community's businesses have an equally important role to play for our future: economically, politically, culturally, legally, you name it.
Back in 1995 I started the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in part to recognize how important small businesses are to the vitality of our community. Now, more than ever, they rely on your support, and your dollars, to survive.
Please join me in supporting Women & Children First Bookstore as they celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall. The store is hosting a "Celebration and Benefit" Saturday, Oct. 3, featuring national lesbian literary treasures Alison Bechdel ( Dykes to Watch Out For and Fun Home ) and Dorothy Allison ( Bastard Out of Carolina ) .
The event will be at The Breakers of Edgewater Beach, 5333 N. Sheridan, with an after-party at Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan. Cocktails and appetizers are at 5:30-7 p.m., with a buffet dinner and dance 7-10 p.m. Tickets range from $60 for the buffet and dance to $100 for the entire event. Cocktails include a wine-tasting with Alpana Singh. See www.womenandchildrenfirst.com or call 773-769-9299. Another option is to send a check payable to The Crossroads Fund to Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Chicago, Ill., 60640.
