{ "meta": { "title": "Out x Out — Gay & Lesbian Bar Closure & Status Tracker", "version": "0.3", "snapshot_type": "manually-compiled snapshot", "compiled": "2026-10", "compiled_by": "Out x Out (outxout.com)", "what_this_is": "A documented record of LGBTQ+ nightlife venue (gay bar, lesbian bar, gay/queer nightclub) closures, rebrands, and relocations across US cities, with per-venue sourcing — plus, from v0.3, a month-by-month log of documented 2026 openings. Compiled from Out x Out's primary-source city content audits (June 2026) and a press sweep through October 26, 2026, with source URLs recovered and dates verified against published reporting.", "completeness_statement": "The closures and openings listed here are documented, individually-sourced EXAMPLES surfaced during Out x Out's city content audits and press sweeps. They are NOT a comprehensive count of every LGBTQ+ bar that has closed or opened. Cities shown are cities where Out x Out documented a closure or opening — not 'the hardest-hit' cities. Where an open-venue count is given, it reflects venues Out x Out tracks as open, not every bar in the city.", "what_this_is_not": [ "Not a 'net openings minus closings' census. The two lists have different selection biases and must never be subtracted, compared as a ratio, or drawn as a trend line.", "Not a per-city total of closures or openings (we report documented examples, not totals).", "Not a 'live' feed — this is a hand-compiled snapshot (v0.3, October 2026). A live, DB-backed version is planned but does not exist yet.", "Cities included reflect where Out x Out documented a change, not a ranked list of decline or growth." ], "source_recovery": "36 of 39 documented closures carry a news/editorial source link (recovered and date-checked June 2026; refreshed October 26, 2026). Three are weaker and say so in the note: New Moon (Autostraddle feature, year only), Progress Bar (Yelp listing, corroborated by successor venue) and Charlie's Las Vegas (no citable report; former website offline — 'Source pending'). All 14 documented 2026 openings carry a news or venue-published source (El Trombone's date is the opening date published on the venue's own site). Scope is US-only, dedicated gay/lesbian/queer bars and nightclubs; drag-bar restaurants (Hamburger Mary's) and lounges that also serve food are typed as such in the table.", "license": "Free to cite with attribution to Out x Out (outxout.com).", "contact": "info@outxout.com", "headline_findings": [ "Denver and Portland — two major US metros — each lost their ONLY lesbian bar between October 2024 and April 2026 (Denver: Blush & Blu, then The Pearl; Portland: Doc Marie's). Both cities still have no standalone lesbian bar as of October 2026.", "Several other large metros are down to a single lesbian bar: Phoenix (Boycott), Houston (Pearl Bar, which moved into a larger space in June 2026), San Diego (Gossip Grill), Milwaukee (Walker's Pint). Philadelphia went from none to one when Val's opened in March 2026, then lost Marsha's, its queer-owned women's sports bar, in October 2026.", "Documented 2026 closures include bars that had run for decades: the Las Vegas Eagle (since 1988, closed Sep 30), Club XYZ in Knoxville (22 years, closed June after a rent increase and eviction notice), and Legends in Raleigh, which left its home of 35 years in October to reopen blocks away.", "Documented 2026 openings ran March through September — among them Val's Lesbian Bar (Philadelphia), Fathom and The Belmont/Decibel (Chicago), Icon Birmingham, El Trombone (Detroit), There/There (Oakland), SweetWater (West Hollywood), CAMP (Portland, in the former Scandals space), VERS (Albuquerque), ANIMAL LA and Sapphire Lounge (Orlando). No documented openings in January, February, August or October.", "One-off shocks hit LGBTQ+ nightlife hard: The Ruby Fruit closed after the Jan 2025 LA wildfires; Napoleon's Itch closed within 12 hours of the Jan 1 2025 New Orleans Bourbon Street attack; Renegades in San Jose closed for good in May 2026 after its owner's death." ] }, "closures": [ { "venue_name": "Salty Nun", "city": "St. Petersburg", "city_slug": "st-petersburg-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 2022, "date_closed": "2025-08", "source_publication": "Creative Loafing Tampa", "source_date": "2025-08", "source_url": "https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/salty-nun-st-petes-unofficial-lesbian-bar-closes-tomorrow-20609992/", "note": "Downtown St. Petersburg gay bar and restaurant opened in 2022 by Barbara Banno and J.P. Brewer; last day Sunday August 17, 2025. Creative Loafing called it St. Pete's 'unofficial lesbian bar' for its programming — not a dedicated lesbian bar." }, { "venue_name": "Berlin", "city": "Chicago", "city_slug": "chicago-il", "status": "rebranded", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "year_opened": 1983, "date_closed": "2023-11", "source_publication": "Block Club Chicago", "source_date": "2023-11", "source_url": "https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-after-40-years/", "note": "Lakeview nightclub at 954 W Belmont; final night Nov 19, 2023 after 40 years. The space reopened April 25, 2026 under new ownership (HV Entertainment) as a dual concept, The Belmont + Decibel." }, { "venue_name": "Charlie's Las Vegas", "city": "Las Vegas", "city_slug": "las-vegas-nv", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2024-01", "source_publication": "Source pending", "note": "Country/western gay bar (former 5012 S Arville) that closed its location in January 2024 for a planned relocation. As of October 2026 no reopening or new address has been announced, directories still list it closed and its former website is offline — no citable news report; do not pitch without one." }, { "venue_name": "This Is It!", "city": "Milwaukee", "city_slug": "milwaukee-wi", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 1968, "date_closed": "2025-03", "source_publication": "Urban Milwaukee", "source_date": "2025-03", "source_url": "https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/03/10/historic-gay-bar-this-is-it-has-closed/", "note": "Wisconsin's oldest gay bar (418 E Wells St, founded 1968) announced its permanent closure the weekend of March 8–9, 2025 after 57 years; owners cited the COVID aftermath and 2024 street reconstruction outside the bar." }, { "venue_name": "Napoleon's Itch", "city": "New Orleans", "city_slug": "new-orleans-la", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2025-01", "source_publication": "Out", "source_date": "2025-01", "source_url": "https://www.out.com/business/new-orleans-gay-bars-struggling-bourbon-street-terror-attack-explained", "note": "734 Bourbon St. Owner-operator Ron Julian announced permanent closure less than 12 hours after the January 1, 2025 Bourbon Street terror attack, after 23 years; it never reopened." }, { "venue_name": "The 700 Club", "city": "New Orleans", "city_slug": "new-orleans-la", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2019-12", "source_publication": "LGBT Archives Project of Louisiana", "source_date": "2026", "source_url": "https://lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/lost-queer-bars-of-the-french-quarter/", "note": "Long-running French Quarter gay bar at 700 Burgundy; last day Dec 15, 2019. The owner relocated to 1012 N Rampart, which became a different bar (American Townhouse), seriously damaged by fire in March 2025. The '700 Club' brand is defunct." }, { "venue_name": "Stonewall Bar", "city": "Orlando", "city_slug": "orlando-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2021-12-31", "source_publication": "Orlando Weekly", "source_date": "2022-01", "source_url": "https://www.orlandoweekly.com/arts/orlando-lgbtq-nightclub-stonewall-closes-its-doors-and-seeks-new-ownership-30587556", "note": "741 W Church St, Parramore. The space later became Heatwave (opened Aug 2025), which closed March 8, 2026; Sapphire Lounge, a sapphic lounge and restaurant, opened there in September 2026." }, { "venue_name": "Level Up Bar", "city": "Philadelphia", "city_slug": "philadelphia-pa", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2024-12", "source_publication": "The Philadelphia Inquirer", "source_date": "2024-11", "source_url": "https://www.inquirer.com/food/bars/lgbtq-bars-philadelphia-closing-gayborhood-20241119.html", "note": "Gayborhood bar at 13th and Walnut (POC-owned, opened a week before the COVID lockdown). The Inquirer reported in November 2024 that its last day would be in December; owners sought a new location." }, { "venue_name": "Progress Bar", "city": "Wilton Manors", "city_slug": "fort-lauderdale-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 2014, "date_closed": "2024-10", "source_publication": "Yelp (listing)", "source_date": null, "source_url": "https://www.yelp.com/biz/progress-bar-south-florida-wilton-manors", "note": "2440 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors (opened 2014). Yelp lists it permanently closed; closure corroborated by the space now operating as LIT Wilton. Date approximate." }, { "venue_name": "Bossy Grrl's Pin Up Joint", "city": "Columbus", "city_slug": "columbus-oh", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "queer-friendly bar", "date_closed": "2025-12-13", "source_publication": "Columbus Underground", "source_date": "2025-10-31", "source_url": "https://columbusunderground.com/bossy-grrls-pin-up-joint-to-close-by-end-of-year-ak1/", "note": "2598 N High St burlesque bar; final day December 13, 2025 — the owners said the bar did not make enough money (Columbus Underground). The space reopened in April 2026 as Proof by The Alibi, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar (Columbus Navigator)." }, { "venue_name": "Misfits Bar + Lounge", "city": "Portland", "city_slug": "portland-or", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2025-05", "source_publication": "Willamette Week", "source_date": "2025-05", "source_url": "https://www.wweek.com/bars/2025/05/08/misfits-lgbtq-bar-on-northeast-82nd-avenue-announces-closure/", "note": "LGBTQ+ bar at Northeast 82nd Avenue and Russell Street; closure announced May 2025 — a last-minute fundraiser bought time, but not enough (Willamette Week). One of several Portland LGBTQ+ bar closures in 2024–25." }, { "venue_name": "Hamburger Mary's Orlando", "city": "Orlando", "city_slug": "orlando-fl", "status": "relocated", "venue_type": "drag bar / restaurant", "date_closed": "2024-06-02", "source_publication": "Orlando Weekly", "source_date": "2024-05", "source_url": "https://www.orlandoweekly.com/food-drink/hamburger-marys-to-close-downtown-location-looks-to-relocate-36933242/", "note": "110 W Church St (downtown) closed June 2, 2024 after 16 years; owners said they were looking to relocate, with a new location yet to be announced at the time (Orlando Weekly). It later reopened outside downtown, so it is no longer a walkable downtown venue." }, { "venue_name": "Hamburger Mary's Milwaukee", "city": "Milwaukee", "city_slug": "milwaukee-wi", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "drag bar / restaurant", "date_closed": "2024-07-28", "source_publication": "Urban Milwaukee", "source_date": "2024-07", "source_url": "https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/07/19/hamburger-marys-to-close-relocate/", "note": "730 S 5th St (Walker's Point) closed after service July 28, 2024. Owners said they planned to reopen in a new location but were still unsure where (Urban Milwaukee)." }, { "venue_name": "Ginger's", "city": "San Francisco", "city_slug": "san-francisco-ca", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "cocktail bar (mixed LGBTQ+)", "date_closed": "2025-10-30", "source_publication": "The San Francisco Standard", "source_date": "2025-10", "source_url": "https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/31/gingers-bar-downtown-closed/", "note": "86 Hardie Pl — the San Francisco Standard called it downtown's only LGBTQ+ space (often miscategorized as a lesbian bar). Final service Oct 30, 2025; went on indefinite hiatus citing monthly losses. Not counted in lesbian-bar figures." }, { "venue_name": "The Birdcage", "city": "Cincinnati", "city_slug": "cincinnati-oh", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "year_opened": 2018, "date_closed": "2024-12-24", "source_publication": "Metro Weekly", "source_date": "2024-12-30", "source_url": "https://www.metroweekly.com/2024/12/gay-bar-shuts-down-without-notice-on-christmas-eve/", "note": "Closed permanently on Christmas Eve 2024 with no notice after six years; it opened at 927 Race St and moved to 412 Central Ave in June 2023, keeping the Race St room as 'The Flock.' Performers told WXIX only two gay bars were left downtown. A new LGBTQ+ bar, The Corner, was announced for the Race St space in October 2026." }, { "venue_name": "Ruby Deluxe", "city": "Raleigh", "city_slug": "raleigh-nc", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "queer bar", "date_closed": "2025-05-03", "source_publication": "Qnotes Carolinas", "source_date": "2025-05-04", "source_url": "https://qnotescarolinas.com/ruby-deluxe-nightclub-closure-raleigh/", "note": "Final night was the Saturday May 3, 2025 Glitter Hour, after 10 years. Owner Tim Lemuel had described it as one of the only places in Raleigh 'dedicated to the queer community as opposed to gay men.'" }, { "venue_name": "Bachelor Forum", "city": "Rochester", "city_slug": null, "status": "rebranded", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2026-01-01", "source_publication": "WHEC (News10NBC)", "source_date": "2025-12-25", "source_url": "https://www.whec.com/top-news/rochesters-oldest-gay-bar-to-close-after-jan-1-2026/", "note": "Rochester's oldest LGBTQ+ bar, on University Avenue, closed after January 1, 2026 for a rebrand with a tentative reopening two to three months later. The news came weeks after The Avenue Pub, another Rochester LGBTQ+ tavern, closed after 50 years." }, { "venue_name": "The Hole (now Bar 1924)", "city": "San Diego", "city_slug": "san-diego-ca", "status": "rebranded", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2026-01", "source_publication": "SanDiegoVille", "source_date": "2026-01-14", "source_url": "https://www.sandiegoville.com/2026/01/after-more-than-60-years-with-same-name.html", "note": "Point Loma bar regarded as San Diego's oldest continuously operating gay bar (a fixture since 1961) dropped its name of 60-plus years in January 2026 to become Bar 1924, after the year it first opened as The 19th Hole. Owners say patrons 'remain as diverse as ever'; SanDiegoVille notes the rebrand 'raised quiet but pointed questions' in the LGBTQ community." }, { "venue_name": "Macri Park", "city": "Brooklyn", "city_slug": "new-york-city-ny", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 2015, "date_closed": "2026-01-13", "source_publication": "Gay City News", "source_date": "2026-02-03", "source_url": "https://gaycitynews.com/williamsburg-gay-bar-macri-park-abruptly-closes/", "note": "Williamsburg bar known as 'Brooklyn's living room' (a gay bar since Steven McEnrue took it over in 2015) announced on Instagram on January 13, 2026 that it was closing; staff and performers were given no reason, and a benefit at Happyfun Hideaway raised money for workers." }, { "venue_name": "Club Lambda", "city": "Brooklyn", "city_slug": "new-york-city-ny", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "year_opened": 2022, "date_closed": "2026-02-28", "source_publication": "Gay City News", "source_date": "2026-02-20", "source_url": "https://gaycitynews.com/brooklyn-club-lambda-permanently-close/", "note": "Queer nightclub at 1031 Grand St owned by Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon, who also run Lambda Lounge in Harlem (which stays open). Announced it would close for good at the end of February 2026; final party February 28." }, { "venue_name": "Heatwave", "city": "Orlando", "city_slug": "orlando-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "queer bar", "year_opened": 2025, "date_closed": "2026-03-08", "source_publication": "Orlando Weekly", "source_date": "2026-03-06", "source_url": "https://www.orlandoweekly.com/food-drink/openings-closings-moves/lgbtq-venue-heatwave-to-close-just-months-after-opening", "note": "Queer cafe-meets-nightspot (Orlando Weekly's description) that opened in August 2025 in the former Stonewall Bar space at 741 W Church St, Parramore; closed Sunday March 8, 2026 after about half a year with a 'grand closing' weekend. The space reopened as Sapphire Lounge in September 2026." }, { "venue_name": "Bailey's Place", "city": "Rutland", "city_slug": null, "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 2025, "date_closed": "2026-04", "source_publication": "WCAX", "source_date": "2026-04-09", "source_url": "https://www.wcax.com/2026/04/09/rutlands-first-gay-bar-decades-closes/", "note": "Rutland, Vermont's first gay bar in decades, on Evelyn Street, closed in April 2026 after less than a year. Owner Faith Ann McClure had billed it as a gathering space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies." }, { "venue_name": "Renegades", "city": "San Jose", "city_slug": "san-jose-ca", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2026-05", "source_publication": "Hoodline", "source_date": "2026-05-12", "source_url": "https://hoodline.com/2026/05/san-jose-leather-landmark-renegades-shutters-leaving-just-two-gay-bars-standing/", "note": "Leather-and-Levi's landmark closed for good in May 2026 after owner Luis Sarmiento died on March 4 (the bar had first closed temporarily). A staff fundraiser raised nearly $16,000. Hoodline counts two gay bars left in San Jose." }, { "venue_name": "Club XYZ", "city": "Knoxville", "city_slug": null, "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2026-06", "source_publication": "The Advocate", "source_date": "2026-06-23", "source_url": "https://www.advocate.com/news/club-xyz-one-of-knoxvilles-last-remaining-lgbtq-bars-says-a-rent-increase-and-landlord-dispute-will-force-it-to-close-after-22-years-in-business", "note": "One of Knoxville's last two gay bars announced on June 22, 2026 that it would close after 22 years, calling it a 'complete surprise': it could not absorb a rent increase and said the landlord issued an eviction with 'less than one week's notice.' Final dance that Saturday, June 27." }, { "venue_name": "Back 2 Earth", "city": "Portland", "city_slug": "portland-or", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "queer bar", "year_opened": 2023, "date_closed": "2026-06", "source_publication": "GayCities", "source_date": "2026-08-30", "source_url": "https://www.gaycities.com/articles/106609/portlands-queer-scene-is-making-a-summer-comeback-with-a-new-venue-drag-plaza/", "note": "Northeast Portland queer bar in the former Local Lounge space (opened two weeks before Pride 2023) announced its closure on June 28, 2026: 'We are choosing not to renew our lease as we have struggled to keep this space successful and specifically queer.'" }, { "venue_name": "Aqua Nightclub", "city": "Key West", "city_slug": "key-west-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay/drag bar", "date_closed": "2026-07-06", "source_publication": "Keys Weekly", "source_date": "2026-07-10", "source_url": "https://keysweekly.com/42/longtime-key-west-drag-bar-aqua-nightclub-closes/", "note": "711 Duval St drag bar closed Monday July 6, 2026 after the manager told staff 'we have been evicted.' The Aquanettes, its in-house drag troupe, danced a standing-room-only final show July 5 and moved around the corner to the Birdcage Cabaret." }, { "venue_name": "Hamburger Mary's Jacksonville", "city": "Jacksonville", "city_slug": "jacksonville-fl", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "drag bar / restaurant", "year_opened": 2025, "date_closed": "2026-07", "source_publication": "Jacksonville Today", "source_date": "2026-07-22", "source_url": "https://jaxtoday.org/2026/07/22/hamburger-marys-closed-murray-hill/", "note": "Murray Hill drag bar and restaurant at 947 Edgewood Ave S, opened spring 2025, closed abruptly in July 2026; a judge issued an eviction order July 13 and a handwritten 'permanently closed' sign went up on the door, with the space already listed for lease." }, { "venue_name": "Mag's 940", "city": "New Orleans", "city_slug": "new-orleans-la", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "date_closed": "2026-07", "source_publication": "Hoodline", "source_date": "2026-07-16", "source_url": "https://hoodline.com/2026/07/mag-s-940-goes-dark-stuns-marigny-nightlife/", "note": "Marigny corner bar on Elysian Fields Avenue went dark the week of July 16, 2026 with no public statement from its owners; online listings flipped to 'closed' and neighbors were left guessing what comes next (Hoodline)." }, { "venue_name": "Vogue Lounge", "city": "Allentown", "city_slug": null, "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "year_opened": 2022, "date_closed": "2026-08-30", "source_publication": "WFMZ", "source_date": "2026-08-31", "source_url": "https://www.wfmz.com/features/eat-sip-shop/thank-you-all-for-your-continuous-love-lehigh-valley-s-last-gay-nightclub-abruptly-closes/article_a1306873-5564-4a9f-879f-729032562254.html", "note": "The Lehigh Valley's last gay nightclub (28 N 10th St, opened 2022 on the site of the former Stonewall Lehigh Valley) held its last day Sunday August 30, 2026 with a 'Pride After Party.' The building's owner has put the property up for sale; manager Nichole Meixell: 'I think it was due to the economy.'" }, { "venue_name": "The Rosemont", "city": "Brooklyn", "city_slug": "new-york-city-ny", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "queer bar", "date_closed": "2026-08", "source_publication": "Time Out New York", "source_date": "2026-09-04", "source_url": "https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/one-of-brooklyns-most-beloved-queer-bars-is-shuttering-after-a-decade-in-east-williamsburg-with-a-big-closing-party-in-the-works-090426", "note": "East Williamsburg dive known for drag shows, DJs and late-night parties announced on September 3, 2026 that it had been closed for the past week and would 'unfortunately likely not' reopen in a permanent physical capacity, after nearly a decade. A closing-night blowout was promised." }, { "venue_name": "Las Vegas Eagle", "city": "Las Vegas", "city_slug": "las-vegas-nv", "status": "closed", "venue_type": "gay bar", "year_opened": 1988, "date_closed": "2026-09-30", "source_publication": "Hoodline", "source_date": "2026-09-22", "source_url": "https://hoodline.com/2026/09/las-vegas-eagle-to-close-sept-30-after-nearly-four-decades-on-tropicana-avenue/", "note": "3430 E Tropicana Ave. The bar announced the closing the weekend of September 19–21, 2026; last day of service September 30, ending nearly four decades that began in 1988 as a Levi's and leather bar. No reason was given (Hoodline, citing the Las Vegas Review-Journal)." }, { "venue_name": "Legends Nightclub", "city": "Raleigh", "city_slug": "raleigh-nc", "status": "relocated", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "year_opened": 1991, "date_closed": "2026-10-18", "source_publication": "Hoodline", "source_date": "2026-09-23", "source_url": "https://hoodline.com/2026/09/legends-nightclub-leaves-hargett-street-after-35-years-reopens-blocks-away/", "note": "Final weekend at 330 W Hargett St, its home since 1991, ended October 18, 2026; the Hargett Street property has long been proposed for redevelopment. Hoodline reported (before the move) that Legends planned to reopen five days later at 316 W Cabarrus St in the Warehouse District with grand-opening events October 23–25." } ], "openings": [ { "venue_name": "Val's Lesbian Bar", "city": "Philadelphia", "city_slug": "philadelphia-pa", "venue_slug": "valslesbianbarphiladelphia", "venue_type": "lesbian bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-03-18", "source_publication": "Billy Penn", "source_date": "2026-03-20", "source_url": "https://billypenn.com/2026/03/20/vals-lesbian-bar-opening-night-philadelphia/", "note": "605 S 3rd St, Queen Village (PhillyVoice). Owners Clover Gilfor and Julia Harris call it Philly's first lesbian bar since the Toasted Walnut closed in 2021; a soft launch ran February 14 (Philadelphia Gay News) and it officially opened to a packed house on Wednesday March 18, 2026 (Billy Penn)." }, { "venue_name": "Prism", "city": "Medford", "city_slug": null, "venue_slug": null, "venue_type": "queer bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-03-20", "source_publication": "Downtown Medford Association", "source_date": "2026-03-30", "source_url": "https://downtownmedford.org/?p=46476", "note": "123 S Front St, Suite B, downtown Medford, Oregon. Described by the Downtown Medford Association as 'the Rogue Valley's first dedicated LGBTQ+ bar'; grand opening March 20–21, 2026 in a newly renovated space next to Oh's Osaka." }, { "venue_name": "Fathom", "city": "Chicago", "city_slug": "chicago-il", "venue_slug": "fathomchicago", "venue_type": "queer bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-04-09", "source_publication": "Windy City Times", "source_date": "2026-04-11", "source_url": "https://windycitytimes.com/?p=458957", "note": "1622 W Belmont Ave, Lakeview. A 'classic neighborhood dive bar' from Whitney LaMora and Zoe Schor, owners of the lesbian bar Dorothy; opened April 9, 2026 and was quickly at capacity with a line down the block." }, { "venue_name": "The Belmont + Decibel", "city": "Chicago", "city_slug": "chicago-il", "venue_slug": "thebelmontdecibelchicago", "venue_type": "gay nightclub", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-04-25", "source_publication": "Axios Chicago", "source_date": "2026-04-08", "source_url": "https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/08/berlin-nightclub-reopens-as-belmont-and-decibel", "note": "954 W Belmont Ave, the former Berlin nightclub (closed late 2023). Axios reported the new owner, HV Entertainment (Fantasy, Bobby Loves, The Closet, Chicago Eagle), would open it to the public April 25, 2026 as cocktail bar The Belmont with the Decibel dance club behind it; City Cast Chicago confirmed Decibel 'opened to the public Saturday' in a post dated April 28." }, { "venue_name": "Icon Birmingham", "city": "Birmingham", "city_slug": "birmingham-al", "venue_slug": "iconbirminghambirmingham", "venue_type": "gay bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-05-08", "source_publication": "Bham Now", "source_date": "2026-05-06", "source_url": "https://bhamnow.com/2026/05/06/sneak-peek-new-gay-bar-icon-birmingham-opening-in-five-points-south-this-weekend/", "note": "2012 Magnolia Ave, Five Points South. Owner Kyle Richardson, who runs Tuscaloosa's only gay bar, opened it after Our Place and The Quest Club closed: 'Losing The Quest and Our Place created a big void in Birmingham's gay community.' Grand opening Friday May 8, 2026." }, { "venue_name": "El Trombone", "city": "Detroit", "city_slug": "detroit-mi", "venue_slug": "eltrombonedetroit", "venue_type": "gay bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-05-08", "source_publication": "El Trombone (official site)", "source_date": "2026", "source_url": "https://eltrombone.com/", "note": "4654 W Vernor Hwy, Southwest Detroit, in the former Mutiny Tiki Bar. The bar's own site describes it as 'Southwest Detroit's neighborhood gay cocktail bar' and publishes an opening date of May 8, 2026; Metro Times reported in April that the Detroit Optimist Society (Dave Kwiatkowski) and bartender Luka Backus expected to open it by early May." }, { "venue_name": "Amy's Place", "city": "Champaign", "city_slug": null, "venue_slug": null, "venue_type": "gay bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-05-09", "source_publication": "The Daily Illini", "source_date": "2026-05-24", "source_url": "https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/around-town/2026/05/24/new-gay-bar-amys-place-welcomes-celebrates-all/", "note": "120 N First St, Champaign, Illinois. Lesbian-owned by Amy Beth Myers; soft-opened April 12 and held its grand opening May 9, 2026 with drag performances through the night." }, { "venue_name": "There/There", "city": "Oakland", "city_slug": "oakland-ca", "venue_slug": "therethereoakland", "venue_type": "queer bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-05-29", "source_publication": "San Francisco Chronicle", "source_date": "2026-05-29", "source_url": "https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/there-there-queer-bar-oakland-22268784.php", "note": "468 25th St, Oakland, in the former Friends and Family space (the James Beard-semifinalist queer bar that closed in late 2025). Opened May 29, 2026 by Alli Li, a former Friends and Family chef, with lower prices and more capacity than its predecessor (San Francisco Chronicle)." }, { "venue_name": "SweetWater", "city": "West Hollywood", "city_slug": "los-angeles-ca", "venue_slug": "sweetwaterweholosangeles", "venue_type": "lesbian bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-06-05", "source_publication": "FOX 11 Los Angeles", "source_date": "2026-06-15", "source_url": "https://www.foxla.com/news/sweetwater-opens-west-hollywood-one-areas-few-dedicated-lesbian-spaces", "note": "Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood. FOX 11 reported it open on June 15, 2026 as a lesbian-owned nightclub and 'one of the few dedicated lesbian spaces in the area'; owner Berni Gambino, a retired LA County Sheriff's sergeant, held the soft opening June 5, the first day of WeHo Pride weekend, with a grand opening on July 11 (WEHOonline)." }, { "venue_name": "Pearl Bar (Pearl 2.0)", "city": "Houston", "city_slug": "houston-tx", "venue_slug": "pearlbarhouston", "venue_type": "lesbian bar", "opening_kind": "relocation", "date_opened": "2026-06-05", "source_publication": "Chron", "source_date": "2026-06-05", "source_url": "https://www.chron.com/culture/article/pearl-houston-lesbian-bar-move-22292952.php", "note": "Relocation, not a new bar: Houston's only lesbian bar moved a mile down Washington Ave, from 4216 to 2811 (the former Hughes Hangar), with a grand-opening party June 5, 2026 for Houston Pride. Chron's headline: 'Texas may now have the world's largest lesbian bar.'" }, { "venue_name": "VERS", "city": "Albuquerque", "city_slug": "albuquerque-nm", "venue_slug": "versalbuquerque", "venue_type": "gay bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-07", "source_publication": "Albuquerque Journal", "source_date": "2026-07-16", "source_url": "https://www.abqjournal.com/business/new-bar-aims-to-give-albuquerques-lgbtq-community-a-place-to-belong/3083228", "note": "5001 Central NE. Married co-owners Lucas Romero and Luke Rogers grew it out of their Friends of Dorothy LGBTQ+ meetup; the Albuquerque Journal reported the grand opening for the Friday and Saturday after July 16, 2026. KOB, which headlined it a new gay bar in Nob Hill, quoted the owners that the city had only two gay bars and one gay club." }, { "venue_name": "CAMP", "city": "Portland", "city_slug": "portland-or", "venue_slug": "campportland", "venue_type": "gay bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-07-11", "source_publication": "KOIN 6 (via Yahoo News)", "source_date": "2026-07-08", "source_url": "https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/gay-bar-open-downtown-portland-020728435.html", "note": "1125 SW Harvey Milk St, the former Scandals space. KOIN reported the grand opening set for Saturday July 11, 2026; GayCities reported in August that it had opened in time for Portland Pride in mid-July. Co-owner Logan Whalen, of Best Coast Barber across the street, told KPTV: 'It's that everybody place.'" }, { "venue_name": "ANIMAL LA", "city": "Los Angeles", "city_slug": "los-angeles-ca", "venue_slug": "animallalosangeles", "venue_type": "queer bar", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-07-25", "source_publication": "Los Angeles Blade", "source_date": "2026-09-04", "source_url": "https://www.losangelesblade.com/2026/09/04/animal-la-bridges-the-gay-bar-and-the-queer-underground/", "note": "428 S Hewitt St, Arts District, in the former Resident DTLA music venue. Second location of the Brooklyn bar ANIMAL (opened March 2024); soft-opened July 25, 2026 with no cover. Partner Ashton Correa: 'It was exciting to open a bar in a place that doesn't have gay bars and to be a little beacon of queerness.' (Los Angeles Blade)" }, { "venue_name": "Sapphire Lounge", "city": "Orlando", "city_slug": "orlando-fl", "venue_slug": "sapphireloungeorlando", "venue_type": "sapphic lounge", "opening_kind": "new", "date_opened": "2026-09-04", "source_publication": "Watermark", "source_date": "2026-08-12", "source_url": "https://watermarkoutnews.com/2026/08/12/orlandos-1st-sapphic-lounge-and-restaurant-to-open/", "note": "741 W Church St, Parramore, the former Heatwave and Stonewall Bar space. Owners Jay Ruiz and general manager Melissa Vitale billed it as Orlando's first and only sapphic lounge and restaurant, with the grand opening announced for September 4, 2026 (Watermark); the venue's Instagram now reads 'NOW OPEN'. Hoodline: Orlando had lacked a dedicated lesbian-centered nightlife venue since Faces closed in 2007." } ] }