Gladys Books & Wine Opens in Brooklyn: A Sanctuary for the Black Queer Community

Gladys Books & Wine, located at 306 Malcolm X Blvd in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy, is not just a bar or a bookstore—it is a testament to the power of intentional community-building for Black queer people and their allies. The founder, Tiffany Dockery, was inspired by the warmth and togetherness she experienced at her grandmother Gladys’ home in Chicago, where family gatherings were filled with love, conversation, and comfort. Dockery’s goal was to “bottle that feeling” and create a space where others could feel equally held and celebrated .

The interior of Gladys Books & Wine is carefully designed to evoke this sense of belonging. Visitors are greeted by retro bar stools, pink feather chandeliers, beaded curtains, and arched bookshelves reminiscent of stained glass. The setting is intimate and inviting, with jazz music humming in the background and the buzz of conversation filling the air .

One of the defining features of Gladys Books & Wine is its curated selection of literature. The shelves are not simply filled—they are intentionally stocked to center Black and lesbian voices, including classics by writers such as Audre Lorde and James Baldwin. This focus ensures that patrons see themselves reflected in the stories that line the walls, fostering a sense of belonging and validation for Black queer individuals .

Dockery’s commitment to inclusivity extends to her staff as well. “Our staff is full of trans and gender non-conforming folks, because they’ve always been a part of Black lesbian communities,” Dockery shared in a recent interview. Her long-term vision is to provide healthcare for every staff member while ensuring the business remains sustainable and profitable. Dockery emphasizes that Gladys is “created for Black queer women and fem-presenting folks, but the door is open to all,” underscoring the space’s commitment to intersectional inclusivity .

Gladys Books & Wine opened its doors after a whirlwind turnaround—Dockery conceptualized the idea in January 2025, broke ground in May, and was welcoming guests by August. The project was built by the community, for the community. Friends and allies helped with everything from stocking bookshelves to bar-backing at the grand opening. “As someone who can sometimes think I can do it all by myself, I had to ask for help. There was no way we could do it without it,” Dockery recounted, highlighting the collective spirit behind the space’s creation .

Even before its physical opening, Gladys cultivated a strong presence online, gathering approximately 9,000 followers on Instagram and 5,000 on TikTok. However, it was the community’s in-person response that truly affirmed the need for such a venue. At the grand opening, a guest remarked, “I’ve gone to so many Black business closing parties. It’s nice to be at a grand opening,” a sentiment that moved Dockery and underscored the hunger for spaces that prioritize Black queer experiences .

Programming at Gladys Books & Wine is already underway. The space regularly hosts movie screenings, mixers, anonymous wine tastings, and community talks. Upcoming events include a screening of *Rainbow Girls* with a Q&A featuring the filmmakers and activist Qween Jean, as well as appearances from Kimberlé Crenshaw, the African American Policy Forum, and the Black Feminist School. The venue’s calendar of events is designed to foster education, activism, and celebration within the Black queer community .

The selection of books at Gladys goes beyond queer and Black literature, including texts on topics such as Palestinian history and resistance. This reflects Dockery’s commitment to solidarity across struggles and her understanding that intersectionality is central to true community-building .

Looking ahead, Dockery envisions Gladys as more than just a neighborhood spot—it is a sanctuary where Black queer women, transgender people, and their allies can feel both safe and celebrated. Plans for book-and-wine pairings and expanded community programming are already in the works, positioning Gladys Books & Wine as a model for similar spaces nationwide .

Gladys Books & Wine stands as a rare and much-needed sanctuary for Black queer people in Brooklyn and beyond. With its curated shelves, intentional staffing, and ambitious programming, the space offers a blueprint for what inclusive, affirming community venues can look like. Dockery’s vision is proving transformative—not just as a business, but as a movement where culture is both sipped and savored, and where every visitor is invited to feel at home.

For those seeking a place to find their next favorite book, discover new wines, or simply be in community, Gladys Books & Wine is already becoming a cherished fixture in Bed-Stuy—and a beacon for the broader LGBTQ+ community.

To stay updated on events and initiatives, follow @gladysbooksbk on Instagram and Threads .