Netflix is giving viewers a look at the LGBTQ rights movement of 1980s Los Angeles through the eyes of a straight, Jewish couple who became one of America’s biggest distributors of gay porn.
“Circus of Books,” which premiered on the popular streaming service April 22, tells the story of Barry and Karen Mason and their LGBTQ business Circus of Books that they ran for over 35 years in L.A.
“The gay porn shop Circus of Books gave Los Angeles’ LGBT+ community a space to socialize and celebrate themselves without judgment,” reads the film’s synopsis.
“Circus of Books” is the directorial debut of Rachel Mason, daughter of the film’s subjects, and executive produced by Ryan Murphy.
The film looks at the impact Circus of Books had on L.A.’s LGBTQ community, as well as how the Mason’s had to lead a double life to keep what they did for a living away from their religious friends and community.
“I never felt free to let anybody know what we did,” Karen Mason said in the trailer.
The film also looks at the effects of AIDS on the gay community in the 80s and how the Masons became LGBTQ rights activists.
“Circus of Books” premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim and is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Watch the trailer for “Circus of Books” below.
