Netflix's new documentary Circus Of Books follows the incredible story of a Jewish family who secretly ran a gay porn shop.

At the centre of the documentary are Karen and Barry Mason, a devoutly religious couple who had always maintained that they simply ran a store in Los Angeles.

What this seemingly normal middle-aged couple didn't mention was that they ran one of Los Angeles' largest gay porn shops.

The Circus Of Books porn shop was a legendary sanctuary for the gay community in the 80s and 90s.

The couple's double life and their support for their LGBT+ customers has now been immortalised by the new documentary available on Netflix.

(Image: Netflix)

At one point in the business' colourful history, Karen considered her store to be the biggest seller of hardcore gay porn in the United States.

Directed by their daughter Rachel Mason, Circus Of Books sheds light on the complex relationship the couple experienced in their Jewish community, and what it really meant to run a porn video institution in 80s America.

Karen and Barry's story, however, is about much more than just that of their secret business affairs.

(Image: Netflix)

As the Netflix synopsis described, the Circus of Books store in Los Angeles became an oasis for the LGBT+ community.

"For 35-plus years, the gay porn shop Circus of Books gave Los Angeles’ LGBT+ community a space to socialize and celebrate themselves without judgment."

One regular to the store added: “To see men naked and unafraid, that gave us a lot of pride.”

(Image: Netflix)

“It made every gay man feel comfortable about exploring their sexuality,” said another.

The rise of the family's business coincided with movements from religious groups against the porn industry.

At the same time, Circus Of Books bore witness to the AIDS crisis and the harrowing loss of countless members of the LGBT+ comminity.

(Image: Netflix)

"We lost so many of our employees," Barry noted. "We'd call their parents and be 'hey, your son is sick' and the parents would just say: 'I never want to see the guy again'.

The eye-opening documentary takes the viewer on a fascinating journey from the entrance of a mysterious book shop to the heart of the queer activism movement.

Do you have a story to sell ? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033