#SaveOurSpaces: Wildrose is one of the few remaining lesbian bars in the U.S.

 

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GayCities is committed to helping LGBTQ venues across the U.S. to survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Today’s highlighted fundraiser is for Wildrose Bar, which is one of the longest-running lesbian bars on the west coast of the U.S. It first threw open its doors as a women-owned and operated bar in 1984. You’ll find it at 1021 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122.

“The last thing we want to do right now is ask of folks, when so many are struggling, but we’ve been left with virtually no choice,’ says its owners on their fundraising page. “The rent, insurance, and other costs continue to accumulate, while revenue does not. The potential that we may not be able to serve our community is devastating to us.”

Wildrose Bar (Photo: Facebook)

The U.S. has seen a dramatic drop in its LGBTQ spaces in the last 20 years, and this has been particularly true for its women’s bars. In the late 1980s, there were around 200 bars aimed at queer women. That number has shrunk to around 15 in 2021.

The bar has been battling to reduce its mounting debts during the pandemic, even creating an outdoor dining space. The Wildrose’s fundraiser was launched last April, and as a mark of how loved the bar is, it’s already raised $86,000 from over one thousand donators. However, it still needs more help.

That’s why we’ve set up a donation fund to help #SaveOurSpaces. Head here for more info and to donate.

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