The Lesbian Bar Project (Documentary)

The Lesbian Bar Project aims to celebrate, support, and preserve the 21 remaining Lesbian Bars in the United States. This documentary film is through the lens of the bar owners, community activists, archivists, and patrons - their struggles during the pandemic, their hopes for the future, and why we must work to save these sacred spaces. This also marks the launch a 4 week fundraising effort. The goal is to raise $200k for our Bars during PRIDE Month 2021.
For more information and to donate: www.lesbianbar...
Check out Instagram: / lesbianbarproject
Directed by Erica Rose & Elina Street Executive Producers: Lea DeLaria, The Katz Company, Mariam Adams, Amy Lesser, and Julia Ruiz Hoffman. Championed by #SaveTheNight - Jägermeister’s global initiative to support and reinvent nightlife. For more information check www.save-the-n....

[@jaywilliams8386]

I was a gay child and the only place we had for companionship and community was a lesbian bar. I'm now 70 years old and I do miss the atmosphere of a gay bar; our history is locked into them way back in the days of Stonewall which happened when I was a teenager. Being out was dangerous when I was growing up and these bars were a refuge for most of us. We must celebrate our history and not take it for granted.

[@jonnydoe1170]

alright boys, its time to step up. during the AIDS crisis the girls stepped up for us. lets return some love. we need to show up support this project. dig deep we gots the money.

[@sampeacaml9307]

YEAH!

[@user-jd6ym7bi6c]

⁠

[@jessegardner9082]

I came out at 41. My coming out was made possible by the generations of queers before me who risked everything to live authentically. Thank you for providing the context to this cultural touchstone in queer history.

[@angelapieper5019]

I couldn't agree with you more. I have two cousins that came out in their late 30s/early 40s after marriages and children. I'm so happy to see them living their lives as their authentic selves. ❤🏳️‍🌈

[@virnadofado]

Good for you! I wish you all the luck in the world be happy 🏳️‍🌈😊

[@uterushaver8309]

Jagermeister website: "The label Lesbian belongs to all people who feel that it empowers them." Dictionary: "Lesbian - a woman who is sexually attracted to other women."

[@yasminhabibti721]

Good for you! 💋👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[@invis-unicorn]

Being 18 back in 1980, & a lesbian, I truly think lesbian bars in NE Ohio saved me. It saddens me that so few are left today. We went to the bars most weekends & had a blast. It was always a little scary going in & out as sometimes we’d get verbal abuse/threats (& sometimes stones thrown). Never knew if the occasional police presence was to help us or to intimidate us. Still, some of my best memories are from those bars

[@MsBTmom]

I’m old I haven’t been to a bar in 20 years. I learned today one of the few lesbian bars left is in my city. My friends are long dead, but how can I not go? Thank you for this story and the motivation.

[@tking3293]

Cruising: a lesbian bar road trip. Amazing podcast filled with lesbian history. Must listen!

[@eric6cartman9]

Herz has unfortunately closed, but that will never negate the the beautiful changes they have cultivated in their community. its so incredibly sad that chapter is over and I wish the owners the best of luck in everything they do. I hadn't been there but it sounded so lovely

[@DOLPHINLADYFOXandPUP]

ok so being 64 i was that perfect clubbing age back in the day, i remember all the lesbians clubs/cafes ...Henretta Hudsuns, Cubbyhole, the vault, Rubys (FruitJungle), the Box Office, Saints, Pided Piper, River View, Meow Mix, Diablos, Rosies, Club Bombay, the Apartment, the Lombard, the Flame, Somewhere Else, Last Call, Post office, Hershee, the Otherside, Palms, so so many...the good ol' dayz!

[@TraceySmith-r3u]

I needed to see this I been to those bars and like someone else said it's time for the boys to step up

[@Ayanatheprojector]

I loved cubby hole in nyc. Such a safe space.

[@user-zp8sk2rc4m]

I'm straight not narrow-- I love these women! Such dedication and moxie! I wish all of them success and joy.

[@megcolumbia-walsh2581]

I bartended at the original Cuby Hole with Dee. Then at Buddy's in the upstairs bar and then at Henrietta's. The original Cuby Hole was my home. Being closeted for my early years, it was fun, family and freedom. Bartending there and with Dee, was a history lesson in itself. We had weekends of fun and I do not see that now for the younger generation. I love this examination and recording of our history. In Provincetown, we had the Pied Piper, now owned as The Club by Lea. I wish it was women still. Again, no place really for us. The women as a community, the women as a voice and power, that is what is so critical. Meg Columbia-Walsh

[@gforcethomas]

I can't wait to be with my people again sharing drink and the dance floor in one of these sacred spaces! Thank you from the bottom of my queer heart to each and everyone who fights for us

[@alexandratunjian2976]

I love this doc!!!!! I can't wait to go back to Hens and finally go to the Cubbyhole for the first time.

[@Radical_Cat]

I think a large reason why the younger generation doesn't know about history of lesbian bars and lesbian history in general is because it was before this documentary, very difficult to find information. I have a large interest in queer and specifically lesbian spaces and it was difficult for me. So I am SO happy that this documentary exists and that it is so well done. THANK YOU from a young queer!!

[@fatimayaseen6075]

Protect those 21 bars! ✊🏼

[@catherineto]

I want to drive down from Toronto to support NOW sisters!

[@gerrimcneer4764]

Be sure to visit The Lady's Room in Largo Florida!!!

[@allison576]

I really yall make a sequel with all the bars or a series of profiles on them

[@angelapieper5019]

Same! A 2021 update would be awesome! I'd love to see how this initiative helped these bars 🏳️‍🌈❤

[@13thAMG]

From a straight male supporter in Australia: New post-pandemic plan for me. When I can next go back to visit my many friends in USA I want to visit every one of these bars to stand in solidarity with you guys ... if you'll have me. If it's possible I'd like to shake hands with all the owners of the bars and even Lea if that's ok. This documentary made me cry. It might take me a while to get back over there but I will definitely do it. Thank you for giving me a new post-pandemic goal. We straight people have to do much more than just 'accept' LGBTQ community members. We have to stand by them as seemlessly integrated co-fibres of our own society. We are responsible for the painful journey they have endured and we have to own that! They are our sisters, friends, work colleagues and people we do business with. We don't know it but we are part of their world and it has to be a better inclusive place for us all. I would fight with my life for you guys. The American Taliban *must* end! I'm also a producer in the entertainment industry with LGBTQ members in my crew. I support and defend them every day. I employ them inclusively and treat them as family. So, hopefully I will meet you all at the bars ... which is doubly hilarious for me because I don't even drink alcohol. Ha ha ha. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 But I'm always happy to buy my friends a drink. 😊 You all stay safe and free! 🤗

[@TraceySmith-r3u]

I always had a place and I felt welcomed thank all of you women for your hard work in keeping us together you are truly appreciated love you all Tre

[@pandora.panicc]

Very proud that I live so close to one of the few lesbian bars left in the country. Shout-out to Walker's Pint!!!!!

[@jellokween1680]

Well done,the nice queer folk are smashing up lesbian bars now.thanks.

[@barnaliadhikary9421]

I am lesbian...came out at 33...now i am 34.... I would love to have a lesbian bar in India... You guys are doing commendable job...♀️♀️👭🌈🌈🌈🌈👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔊

[@Medutou]

There are some regular lesbian-led events in Mumbai and I heard from friends there are lesbian/queer cafe scene happening in Kolkata. I know this is geographically far apart, but I am sure you'll find something!

[@Nomoredrama2000]

I really miss the secular women's spaces within the queer community. I really miss and love that feeling of going to a lesbian party and it's all women. Now with people demanding inclusivity for all genders, those spaces disappear and we're left with nothing. The future is bleak.

[@anaisrivero9525]

What do you mean by all genders? There have always been non-binary and gender non-conforming lesbians, not all lesbians are women.

[@purpleplanet1257]

@@anaisrivero9525 ^^^ oof

[@Nomoredrama2000]

@@anaisrivero9525 Um only women are lesbians, hon. That's literally the meaning of the word "women who like women". You can't change the meaning a group of people. That's like saying that not all black people are actually black. Like, huh? :O

[@sandraieraci8539]

​@@anaisrivero9525 👑 🔥 💛Essere Lesbiana 👩‍❤️‍👩 È Essere 🌈 Donna.🙋🏻‍♀️Fondamentale. Nell'Amore.😍 LES.ROMANTIC.ACE.😊👍🏻

[@dianelipartito6654]

Yeah and this Doc is a little misleading because it is more about Queer bars than Lesbian Bars, if they can even exist anymore.

[@EllenT1018-r8b]

When I came out in 1979 there were a lot of bars/clubs for ladies. In the village was the Dutches. Great bar then. Hardly any left now

[@tinavalentinaguirre863]

Lovelovelove this movie! Thank you!

[@TigerPrawn_]

There's also a similar series about Lesbian bars in the US presented by JD Samson :)

[@oyashango433]

I'm teaching my children about homosexuality and they are learning a little bit about females as lesbians and this documentary displays discomfort lesbians have amongst society, finding legitimate ways to segregate themselves for emotional satisfaction. These places for gathering seem to be ways for lesbians to bond without discrimination due to their sexual preference as well as live out some life roles of a man the way they choose to live it. Building businesses that are safe havens for room to express ones sexuality. Most heterosexual people do not give a damn, then there are those with great concerns for there children. The small percentage of people that homosexuals notice that are not accepting of their practice really seems to stand out to the homosexual community and it hurts your feelings alot. It shows there is comfort with your establishments because you are not alone in your experiences. We are not homosexual in my household and that's our choice. Thank you for sharing your life with us so that my family could see your perspective a little bit. Good Luck!

[@HunterWoodlawn]

I’m going to New York in August, is it appropriate for me and my best friend (I’m a gay man and my friend is a straight woman) to spend money at the lesbian bars??

[@bigdeneen]

Why not ! Your friend knows your gay right? I don’t see the issue.

[@potatozinc]

Yes! Everyone helps out the lesbian bars and we lesbians appreciate it!!!

[@ClaireLovell]

You will be welcomed. Try Ginger's in Brooklyn!

[@duanebidoux6087]

I still don't actually understand why lesbian bars have declined so severely. Is it just that younger lesbians (perhaps even just young people generally?) don't go to bars? There was brief mention of "forces closing bars down" as in perhaps official persecution from authorities. Is that still going on?

[@eilisniaisi5954]

I don't even drink and I'd still go to a lesbian bar if it meant it would stay open

[@jordans6896]

So glad this was released! Love the message.

[@newhorizonsforfifty2833]

I've known of Lea DeLaria for probably as long as I've been out, and my favorite role of hers was when she played Angie on The Edge of Seventeen. The gay bar setting for much of the movie had this group of rag-tag queer people just trying to find their way and find a group of people, and Angie was like an anchor for the bar, someone you would see inside and say, "Yep, I am where I'm supposed to be. I'm home." They relied on each other for comfort, warmth and other things, all while being bitchy and campy queens and queers.

[@user-jd6ym7bi6c]

Love is Love

[@meliquewilliams-rodriguez8667]

Fantastic project! Loved every minute of it!

[@TheElephantWorks]

Thank you!

[@potatozinc]

There is also a lesbian Strip Club and bar in Atlanta!!! We should add the dancers because I know a few of them want to finally own their own joint and not have a male boss.

[@avrilstacy3133]

Sue Ellens is Dallas use to be packed back when they had a lesbian bouncer Security at the door who kept out preditory men. She was a friend of mine, so I know what goes on. The entire Dallas Gayborhood has gone downhill. It was the Rodeo Drive of Gayborhoods 10 years ago. Now, its sleeze.

[@klausadams1150]

Ich muß brechen!

[@bigdeneen]

That was awesome , I live in DC and I haven’t been to a gay bar since phase 1 closed , then again I don’t get out much. I’ll have to get out.

[@eleamercurioatriz]

Very nice!!

[@am8115]

Portland, Oregon Still has Escape Bar and Grill

[@lacigalvanssleepmeditation8160]

That’s not an exclusively lesbian bar, it’s a gay bar, in fact, which is different.

[@lacigalvanssleepmeditation8160]

Portland, OR claims to be so inclusive yet we have zero lesbian bars!

[@travishessler2064]

Who sings the song at the end of this documentary

[@ebank14]

Heh that's me

[@jordans6896]

🏳️‍🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🏳️‍🌈

[@hotchocklit2000]

Great Doc!

[@dagonxanith686]

Post disappeared. I guess coming out even here is rough.:( I hope the lesbian bars survive regardless if I am included or not.

[@GailChadbourne]

It was not true that Bonnie and Clydes only let a few woc in, the white lesbians ran off to the Duchess. that created a woc bar and a white bar. This was my experience of what I witnessed happening.

[@torvous346]

Gotta love that product placement, was that really necessary Jagermeister? That aside, an important story, and Im so lucky to live in one of the listed cities. :)

[@EricaGamet]

I assume they were funding the doc... they were in the end credits a bunch.

[@torvous346]

@@EricaGamet Yup, and that's exactly why the product placement was there. It didn't need to be though. Listing in the credits alone would suffice. Seems transactional and gives me the creeps a bit, unless of course the person taking the shot of Jager did so entirely by personal preference. But to each their own.

[@tonieawardwinner]

I’m sad about toasted walnut in Philly rip

[@buckdowner]

If it is peace you want, OK. Acceptance? OK. Keep it there. And, that comes with the admonition; your faith depends on how you have the "scripture" that allows this....

[@catherineto]

Love the new Yorkers gay girls. How about “the girl nation”?

[@BelieveInImagination]

So just to clarify, you're allowing males in this "lesbian" bar, AND you don't care if a patron or a future employee has a criminal record?? And this is supposed to make women feel safe...?

[@Cloud-ql3oy]

Lesbians need to to take care of their own culture. You have to put your money into the Lesbian bar not just the pizza joint down the street. Or there won't be a culture or safe places that our ancestors fought and died for.

[@OutofSpecStudios]

Less than 15 L bars exist anymore in late 2023 because they aren't straight friendly in general. They say they are, but they're really not. You have to appeal to "everyone" to stay in business these days. The bar business is tough enough as it is, excluding some to the inclusion of others is NOT the answer. Think about it.

[@heatherfeathers7789]

Lesbian bars don’t need to be inclusive, straights (like me) need to be unproblematic and quiet in our support. It’s our job to make ourselves acceptable to people who have faced massive amounts of collective, if not individual, trauma. It’s not a safe space if the people in it are not safe.

[@tammy6610]

The they/them thing is stupid and needs to stop. They/them says I'm a multiple person with no individual personality of my own.

[@cmartichick]

Unfortunately the definition of lesbian has changed too. Men have to always crash women's spaces.

[@vaughangarrick]

Segregation isn't cool anymore. The new generation want inclusivity

[@queenvanagon]

Bullshyte.

[@rhey81]

So because society got better, we have this crisis??? Wait what??? First of all what is the project aspect of this show? If anything after watching a couple episodes they just felt like long advertisements for these bars.. I thought this was gonna be a fixer upper or maybe a startup kinda show. Not a single employee was fired, not a single tile was replaced.. Instead it was just a history lesson of each bar.. Disappointing..

[@meh5506]

Oh wow, women who don't understand commerce and who want the world to cater to them? hOw ShOcKiNg