Brett Shingledecker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 (age 61–62) |
| Known for | Co-founder of People Like Us |
Brett Shingledecker, a native of Lima, Ohio, was one of the two founders of People Like Us, Chicago’s first gay and lesbian bookstores.[1][2] He was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2011.[3]
Early life[edit]
He was born in 1962. A graduate of George Washington University, Shingledecker went to Evanston, Illinois after graduating in 1987 and began working at the Northlight Theatre.[4][5]
Career[edit]
People like Us[edit]
Reading And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts gave Shingledecker the idea to become active in the LGBT community. He decided to approach Carrie Barnett about opening a gay and lesbian bookstore and they went ahead with the idea.[5] The store was open from 1988 until 1997.[3] However, he sold his half to Barnett in 1994.[4]
Post People like Us career[edit]
Shingledecker went on to become an inaugural judge at the Lambda Literary Awards. For the American Booksellers Association, he taught people thinking of becoming booksellers. He was a juror for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.[4] He has also worked as a tour director and guide.
References[edit]
- ^ Williams, Albert (November 10, 1988). "Shop Talk: finally, a bookstore for gays and lesbians". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- ^ Latz Griffin, Jean (1990-06-24). "Gay books break into mainstream". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. p. 28. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
- ^ a b "BRETT SHINGLEDECKER". The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- ^ a b c "Brett Shingledecker Papers". Special Collections Registry. Ohio State University. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- ^ a b Smith, Sid (November 1, 1989). "BUT THE STREET IS HETEROGENEOUS". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 21 October 2022.