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Brett Shingledecker

Brett Shingledecker
Born1962 (age 62–63)
Lima, Ohio
Known forCo-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

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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

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People like Us

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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

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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

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  1. ^ Williams, Albert (November 10, 1988). "Shop Talk: finally, a bookstore for gays and lesbians". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  2. ^ Latz Griffin, Jean (1990-06-24). "Gay books break into mainstream". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. p. 28. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  3. ^ a b "BRETT SHINGLEDECKER". The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "Brett Shingledecker Papers". Special Collections Registry. Ohio State University. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Sid (November 1, 1989). "BUT THE STREET IS HETEROGENEOUS". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 21 October 2022.