Its opening in 1993 in the heart of the Chueca neighbourhood was a milestone in Madrilenian society, being the first establishment specialized in gay and lesbian topics to open during commercial business hours. Managed by Mili Hernández, who founded the publishing house Egales, Berkana offers the most extensive literature catalogue geared to the gay community, although not exclusively.

The multiple references in the shop include all genres, from biographies and essays to poetry, guidebooks with information on gay hotels and restaurants all over the world, comics, magazines and children’s books. Furthermore, it carries a studied selection of films, including classics by Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini or Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee, and an assorted repertoire of items ranging from music CD’s, t-shirts and calendars to their Rainbow collection, featuring objects decorated with the colourful gay flag, like mugs, key rings or lighters.