Eric Himan - "Local Gay Bookstore" (Official Video)

I wrote this song with my best friend, Cas, as a tribute to the many LGBTQ+ bookstores I visited, felt comfortable in, performed my music, carried my cds, educated me on LGBTQ+ life and issues facing our community, and made me feel connected to my LGBTQ+ community. Thank you to them for all they have done and still do day to day!~Eric

Recorded and Performed by: Eric Himan
Song written by: Eric Himan and Cassandra Buncie
Video Production and Editing: Nick Whitaker
Lead Vocal and Acoustic Guitars: Eric Himan
Electric Keys, Electric Guitar, and Additional Vocals: Namoli Brennet
Drums: Brandon Holder
Song Mixed By: Scott Bell
Song Mastered By: Chris Wylie, Buffalo Hide Mastering
Local Gay Bookstore Shelf Insert/Book Nook Miniature Diorama By: Ryan Nichols

Lyrics:
No matter what you were looking for
There was always the local gay bookstore
From magazines, cds, dvds, and more
You were safe in place to shelter any storm

From the jingle of the door to the cash register ding
There was a narrative and we were listening
And outside picket signs would scream with hate
But inside there was a daily pride parade

No matter what you were looking for
There was always the local gay bookstore
Whether you were gay, bi, straight, trans, or queer
There would always be a friend to accept you here

From the jingle of the door to the cash register ding
There was a narrative and we were listening
From Maupin, Baldwin, Burroughs, Walker to Hughes
You could find similar faces in the pages that you viewed

From Outwords in Milwaukee down to Outwrite in the Atlanta sun
There was Lambda Rising in DC and Ptown had one
We went to A Different Light in San Francisco, Dallas and Houston’s Lobos had style
And you could hear any LGBT singer playing at the Roast attached to Oscar Wilde's
We still have a few in our midst like Givoanni’s room in Philly
And one of the biggest ones around was Outloud in Nashville city
Behind these walls you were free to be your own superstar
Didn’t matter if you were out and proud or coming to terms with who you are
Though many of these are closed their spirit carries on the fun
and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who owned and operated each one

No matter what you were looking for
There was always the local gay bookstore