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Netflix's 'Circus Of Books': How This Straight Couple Nurtured A Gay Meeting Place For More Than 30 Years
Karen and Barry Mason at Circus of Books. Courtesy Netflix
Netflix's latest effort to distract you from your reality by telling you surprising stories about other people's realities is Circus of Books.
The documentary tells the story of the somewhat square couple that ran the West Hollywood store — known for selling hardcore gay porn and being a meeting place for gay men — for more than 30 years.
The film was made by Barry and Karen Mason's daughter, Rachel. All three of them talked with LAist about the film, the store's storied place in L.A. gay history, and how their shop would have fared in the current coronavirus epidemic.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
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